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