Issue - meetings

RESOLVED: Cabinet endorsed the Temporary Accommodation Policy and Private Rented Sector Policies.

REASON FOR DECISION: The new policies fulfil the council's legal duties, align with the borough's Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy, align with the national Homelessness Strategy and seek to make the fairest use of a limited local resource.

Click here to view the recording of this item on YouTube.

The Portfolio Holder for People and Communities, Councillor Rust presented the formalisation of existing housing policies regarding temporary accommodation and private rented sector placements. Councillor Rust clarified that the policies being discussed are not new but formalise current practices, ensuring compliance with both the council's and the government's homelessness and rough sleeping strategies. The policies specify that private sector placements will remain limited and subject to stringent suitability criteria. It was explained that the council aims to accommodate people within the area, but in exceptional circumstances, such as local events exhausting available options, residents may be temporarily placed out of area with the intention to return them as soon as possible.

Councillor Morley highlighted the potential benefits of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in facilitating better cooperation with neighbouring districts, which could help keep families closer to their support networks and schools during periods of homelessness.

RESOLVED: Cabinet endorsed the Temporary Accommodation Policy and Private Rented Sector Policies.

REASON FOR DECISION: The new policies fulfil the council's legal duties, align with the borough's Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy, align with the national Homelessness Strategy and seek to make the fairest use of a limited local resource.