Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:           That an additional permanent full time Housing Options Officer post be created.

Reason for Decision

To ensure that the Council fulfils it statutory duties in relation to homelessness and has the resource and capacity provide advice and assistance to those in greatest housing need. 

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The Housing Strategy Officer presented a report seeking agreement to increase the Housing Options team by one permanent full time post to respond to an increasing demand for homelessness services, fulfil statutory duties in relation to housing and support strategic objectives of preventing homelessness. Councillor Rust commended the report and acknowledged the work of the team and the increase in work for them.

Under standing order 34 Councillor Dark addressed the meeting, asked where the funding was coming from and if it was from the Nightshelter allocation.

It was confirmed that the post would be funded from the Government’s Homelessness Prevention Grant for a 3 year period the funding was not repurposed from the Nightshelter.

Councillor Rust reminded members that the strategy for rough sleepers was that it was that they were not recurrent rough sleepers, this additional support, along with the other work being progressed would help to eradicate homelessness.

Councillor Morley encouraged the recruitment to posts from within the organisation to which it was explained that posts would be advertised internally and externally as appropriate, and appropriate training given as required.

Councillor Parish commended the opportunity for staff progression.

RESOLVED:           That an additional permanent full time Housing Options Officer post be created.

Reason for Decision

To ensure that the Council fulfils it statutory duties in relation to homelessness and has the resource and capacity provide advice and assistance to those in greatest housing need.