Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services.

The Sub-Committee received a report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services concerning an overview from an Adult Social Care (ASC) perspective of the work being done in the City of London (CoL) to safeguard adults with care and support needs who are experiencing Rough Sleeping and Homelessness.

Officers presented the report, highlighting that safeguarding in this context includes both formal enquiries and broader preventative and support work. Key points included the high proportion of former rough sleepers in supported living (over 50%) and residential care placements (38%), which is likely due to both the high number of rough sleepers in the City and the City’s strong response and investment in support services. A recent ministerial letter prompted a review of local arrangements, which confirmed that the City already had a mature system in place. The only change made was the inclusion of, Head of Rough Sleeping Services, as a standing member of the Safeguarding Adults Board.

A question was raised regarding the table on page 22 of the agenda pack, specifically about individuals declining assessments or being referred to other agencies. explained that consent is required for assessments, and some individuals either decline or are referred elsewhere if another service (e.g. substance misuse or mental health) is more appropriate. A Member also queried whether the City acts as a magnet for rough sleepers and what collaboration exists with other local authorities. Officers responded that while the City is attractive due to safety and a visible begging economy, it is not necessarily a magnet for services. The City has a high outreach presence, which may deter some individuals. They outlined collaborative arrangements with boroughs such as Southwark and Westminster, including shared responsibilities and multi-agency safeguarding responses.

Further contributions noted joint commissioning efforts across North East London, particularly for severe weather provision and psychotherapy services, which are funded centrally and delivered across boroughs. It was confirmed that no local authorities are encouraging rough sleepers to relocate to the City.

The Chair raised concerns about a decline in mental health capacity assessments and the independence of audits. acknowledged the drop in assessments and suggested possible reasons, including the transient nature of rough sleepers and changing demographics. They confirmed that external audits are conducted annually alongside internal audits by the Principal Social Worker. Outcomes can be incorporated into future reports for the committee’s oversight.

A Member asked whether audits include safeguarding risks within the homeless community beyond adult social care, such as domestic abuse cases managed through MARAC. Officers confirmed these are handled separately by the Community Safety Team, but agreed it was a valid point for further consideration. suggested commissioning a broader audit for assurance, which was welcomed by the Chair.

The Chair revisited the issue of mental health service sufficiency. Officers stated that while referral responses are timely, the main pressure lies in hospital discharge processes. The Chair noted the value of the mental health street triage service and suggested continued support, given its importance.

RESOLVED – That, the report be noted.