To consider the report.

The Panel received a presentation by Tracy Hendren, Head of Housing and Environmental Health, on the refresh of the Homelessness strategy.

The Panel were informed that the proposed recommendations to Cabinet included the title change from Homelessness Strategy 2018-2023 to Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2018-2023, and to build on the five key priorities. This included:

-       To continue to deliver against the actions that are still relevant.

-       Removing the actions that have been delivered from the updated action plan, and

-       Implementing new actions emerging from the focus group, feedback responses and emerging trends. This was Covid-19, temporary accommodation, partnerships, forums, alternative giving, protocols, scorecards, funding and service mapping.

Reviewing the strategy and implementing a rough sleeping strategy was in adherence to the Homelessness Act 2002 and MHCLG Rough Sleeper Strategy 2018.

The Panel were informed of the key messages that came from a survey sent to all councillors and partners of RBWM, which included:

-       93% of respondents thought the five priorities were correct.

-       87% of respondents would have liked to be actively engaged in the strategy moving forward.

-       50% of respondents thought there needs to be additional priorities.

The Panel were informed that the new IT system allowed customer feedback.

Cllr McWilliams - Lead Member for Housing, Communications and Youth Engagement, informed the Panel that over 50 people were counted as rough sleeping in 2020 had all been housed, as well as hundreds of others that required temporary accommodations due to Covid-19.

Cllr Sharpe asked what the underlying ethos, methodology and techniques were being used to ensure best practice. Tracy Hendren said her previous roles included being the Team Leader for the national HMCO specialist advisor team that gathered good practice and evidence of success across the country for five years. She also led the only national homeless conference in the country for local authorities and partners to share good practice.

Cllr Bowden asked what could be done to ensure homeless people would seek employment and housing. Cllr McWilliams informed the Panel that force could not be used, but individuals should instead be ensured access to the support services available. Some rough sleepers in Windsor had an affinity to the town and therefore did not want to relocate in the wider Borough. It was important to expand the temporary housing stock across the Borough, and the Council was in conversation with Windsor Christian Action about expanding sheltered accommodation, day centres and other services. He said that one solution did not fit all.

Cllr McWilliams informed the Panel that a giving scheme that was being pursued which was a long-term funding system where residents, tourists and visitors could donate via cash or contactless to local charities and other partners that support the rough sleeper pathways.

Cllr Davey asked how the findings of the homeless T&FG inputted into the strategy. Cllr McWilliams informed the Panel that the purpose of the T&FG was to examine best practice through evidence from partners and other boroughs. Cllr Price said there was no output of the T&FG.

Cllr Davey asked how local groups were supported to find funding. Cllr McWilliams informed the Panel that central government would give additional grant funding for homeless charities that had been financially hit due to Covid-19. The Council met with partner organisations, voluntary sector organisations and Town Centre Manager regularly through meetings.

Cllr Davey asked why the name of the strategy was changed but not the date. Cllr McWilliams informed the Panel that this was a refresh rather than a change of strategy.

Cllr Bateson asked for clarity in the findings of the forums. The Panel were informed that 50% of respondents agreed that the five priorities were correct with a need for other priorities to be considered. After investigation, these priorities were in fact actions that sat within the five priorities.

Cllr Bateson asked what happened when homeless patients were discharged earlier than expected from hospitals. The Panel were informed there was a service level agreement and referral route for information to be shared with the Council in advance of a resident being homeless, so they could go to their previous or new accommodation. Specified public bodies and wider partnerships agencies could also make referrals to the local authority as soon as they knew someone was at risk of being homeless.

Cllr Price said she presumed a large surge in homelessness would occur due to Covid-19 and asked if this was considered when the action plan was formulated, including the financial implications. Cllr McWilliams informed the Panel that extra funding would be raised to central government for this year and on a longer-term basis. The Council was building capacity of temporary accommodation by renting properties from landlords at a Local Housing Allowance rate for a specified period.

The Panel were informed of three specific actions within the strategy which included the potential to implement a mediation service, review the private rented sector scheme and improve the quality of information available on housing options.

Cllr Price asked why there were no Key Performance Indictor (KPIs) figures in the report. The Panel were informed that KPIs would be related to actual service, and corporate KPIs could be used. The start of the scorecard was highlighted in the agenda pack which would show the number of households that came into the service, were successfully prevented from homelessness, went into relief and were housed in temporary accommodation.

Cllr Price said she wanted to see the statistics to have incorporated overcrowding in social housing providers, which was a large proportion of residences. The Panel were informed there was a transfer list where tenants could apply for accommodation due to overcrowding and health issues, and a housing register for non-tenants.

Cllr Price said she was concerned that a property was not secured in Windsor for rough sleepers. Cllr McWilliams informed the Panel that the services were for all residents in the Borough and most residents in John West house were from Windsor. A meeting had taken place with Windsor Christian Action about an integrated support service, with the potential to increase capacity for shelter accommodation in Windsor. It was important to encourage people to the service, increase the temporary accommodation capacity to provide units closer to Windsor, and support residents closer to their support networks.

Cllr Price said there could be an opportunity to find suitable accommodation at a reasonable price due to Covid-19. The Panel were informed the Council was looking to find accommodation in the Borough and had been successful in finding an increase in supply of temporary and additional accommodation.

Cllr Price asked if there was a need for More than a Shelter, that ran last winter, and if this was needed, to let them know soon so they can plan for this.

Cllr Price asked if both female and male rough sleepers would be given the same opportunity of choice, as one female rough sleeper was not assured a place in John West House because of her personal safety and was then housed in Slough. The Panel were informed that the Council was looking for accommodation for both male and female rough sleepers in and out of the Borough.

Cllr Price said the Brett Foundation did not receive an email invite to the forum, who worked with a hundred residents and should have be brought into the scheme. Cllr McWilliams informed the Panel that all means of communication were used to have all partners on board.

Cllr Sharpe asked if any initiatives would take place in Ascot, how Ascot residents could tap into the facilities in Windsor and Maidenhead and requested Ascot to be mentioned in the report. Cllr McWilliams informed the Panel that all services across the Council were available to any resident who needed the support.

Cllr Baldwin wanted clarification on the Equality Impact Assessment, with six of the nine protected characteristics seeming to be a sweeping statement, such as gender reassignment and sexual orientation. The Panel were informed this would be reviewed to reflect that the service is set up to support and engage all households.

Cllr Baldwin asked why there was a long delay in launching the prison released protocol in March 2021, given the good national examples available. The Panel were informed that the launch of the protocol was December 2020 rather than March 2021.

Cllr Brar asked if there was anything in place for residents who would become unemployed, lose their homes due to the inability to pay for their mortgage, required food and financial support. The Panel were informed that residents could approach the Council and food banks and were provided with general and bespoke assistance.

The Chairman thanked Tracy Hendren and Cllr McWilliams for attending and the Panel noted the item.

Action points –

-       Cllr McWilliams to get in touch with the Brett Foundation.

-       Tracy Hendren to mention Ascot in the report.

-       Tracy Hendren to review the Equality Impact Assessment.