Issue - meetings

Mr Littlemore explained to the Committee that the Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Review explored homelessness trends over the previous five years.  It was explained that the Homelessness Reduction Act 2018 changed how information was collected, and it was therefore difficult to retrospectively compare data.  The report highlighted an increased level of homelessness each year.  The key reason for homelessness was that an individual had lost accommodation after being evicted by family or relatives, while an increase in domestic abuse had been identified.  The £3m investment focussed on providing temporary accommodation for families where children were homeless, as this was a priority need.

In response to questions from the Committee, Mr Littlemore explained that:

·  The reasons for homelessness encompassed within the “Other” option could be circulated outside of the Committee meeting.

·  The information in the report was taken from returns that were provided to the Government on a quarterly basis, and the information was therefore publicly available.

RESOLVED: That:

1.  The findings of the Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Review (Appendix A) are approved to be used in drafting the consultation document and in developing the next Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy.

2.  The Policy and Resources Committee are recommended to invest a further sum of £3 million towards acquiring additional temporary accommodation in order to meet rising need.

Voting: Unanimous