The Lead Member for Planning and Health introduced the report that requested approval for an updated homelessness strategy, approval to formally consult on an updated housing allocations policy and the activation of the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP).

The Lead Member informed Cabinet that he was delighted to be presenting this paper as it contained so much good news.  There was the homelessness strategy which would guide the Council’s approach to the provision of homelessness and rough sleeping services in the Borough over the next five years working with partners.

There had been work and engagement with partners including voluntary organisations such as the Brett Foundation and the Windsor Homeless Project, housing providers such as Radian and Housing Solutions, health service providers and Thames Valley Police.  There would be a multi-agency approach to helping the homeless with policies to help prevent homelessness, decrease the need for temporary accommodation, improve the quality of housing provision, support for families, reduced number of rough sleepers and improved services.

The Lead Member reported that if Cabinet approved the recommendations then SWEP would be immediately implemented.  The Interim Housing Services Manager informed that by introducing SWEP tonight the Royal Borough would be ahead of other authorities in its implementation as the regulations only required it to be introduced when the temperature dropped to zero or below for three consecutive nights.  Not only was the authority introducing it early but also it would remain in place throughout the winter which was far beyond the legislation. 

The Chairman asked if any other authority had introduced SWEP and if SWEP was withdrawn when the temperature went above zero.  Cabinet were informed that the Royal Borough were the only authority that had implemented SWEP and that they would keep it in place beyond the zero temperature cut of point.  The Chairman said that this was a level of care that no other authorities were doing across the country.

The Lead Member also informed that the report also request approval to formally consult on an updated housing allocations policy which sets out how the council assesses applications for housing, prioritises each application and decides which applicant will be offered (allocated) housing.  The council would be working with a number of suppliers who they had excellent relationships with.  There would be more emphasis on support for those suffering from domestic abuse, better help for those leaving care and a policy that bed and breakfast temporary accommodation would no longer be used.

The Interim Housing Services Manager informed that with regards to care leavers the new policy would allow those placed outside the authority to access housing services if they wish to return to the Royal Borough.  During the last 6 month the use of temporary accommodation and use of bed and breakfasts had been reduced as it was felt these were not suitable for families with children.

The Chairman reiterated that this change in policy demonstrated the need to build more houses within the Royal Borough. 

Cllr McWilliams addressed Cabinet and said he wished to thank the Interim Managing Director and Interim Head of Housing Services for the support they had provided him and that a lot of work had been undertaken to get to this position.  A range of policies had been introduced and work was underway in mitigating the impact of high rent in the area. 

Cllr McWilliams said that it was important that the policy framework did not just sit on a shelf gathering dust and that it was important to act upon the commitments and work undertaken.  Cllr McWilliams mentioned that there had been consultation with our stakeholders and asked why there had not been wider public consultation.  He also asked why a cash lease policy was not included. The Chairman said that the Lead Member responsible for housing would reply in writing.

Cllr McWilliams asked what would happen to those helped by SWEP but were from other authorities when SWEP ended and it was good to see an updated allocation policy but shared ownership policy was not clear.  The Interim Housing Services Manager replied that help and support  was provide to those individuals picked up by SWEP during the period and it was not left until the protocol came to an end, this included contacting home authorities.  We worked with housing providers regarding shared ownership. 

The Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health said that this was an excellent paper covering a number of important issues.  This showed that we cared for every resident and that vulnerable people deserved our help.  He thanked the Interim Housing Services Manager for the help and support given to him regarding his ward. He had worked towards informing the Prime Minister and Secretary of State the need to have joined up policies to help our vulnerable residents.  The Chairman mentioned that there would be significant housing developments with the Lead Members ward that would provide affordable housing. 

The Opposition Leader said it was excellent approach to SWEP but asked if there was sufficient local accommodation available and di we proactively help to seek out the hidden homeless.  In response Cabinet were informed that accommodation, based on historical need, had already been booked.  This was as local as possible but it was difficult if people did not wish to relocate  with regards to the hidden homeless support and advice was provided, including a GP service available to all homelessness individuals.

Cllr Beer questioned the consultation process and if there would be sufficient funding in place to support the policies.  The Chairman suggested he contact the head of service directly regarding the consultation and that there would always be sufficient funding to support the vulnerable in our society. 

Cabinet notes the report and:

i)    Approves the updated homelessness strategy.

ii)  Delegates authority to the Executive Director with the Cabinet Member for Environmental Services (including Parking, Flooding, Housing and Performance Management) to engage with registered providers and other key stakeholders on the updated housing allocations policy and approve the final version taking into account comments received.

iii)Approves that the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol commences from the date of the meeting or as soon as the temperature drops below the necessary level (whichever comes first).