To consider the briefing note which provides an update on the housing services across RBWM.

Reporting officer: Alex Szantai – Housing Operations Manager

Alex Szantai, Housing Operations Manager, said that a briefing note had been circulated to the Board as part of the agenda. There was currently a lot of pressure on the housing options team along with sourcing good in borough temporary accommodation. The code stated that all homeless people should be rehoused in the borough but this was not a realistic and not the best option in a lot of cases. The current figure was less than optimal at around 50% of families being rehoused in the borough, however, this was a common problem amongst a number of local authorities.

Kevin McDaniel had recently attended the LGA Annual Conference and one of the main themes was the availability of housing stock, both temporary and permanent. There was preventative work which could be done to prevent families from becoming homeless.

Alex Szantai said that the disabled facilities grant and housing allocations policy were due to be considered by Cabinet in July and these would provide flexibility to allow families to remain in their current property.

Huw Thomas said that there was a significant impact on residents who were moved out of the borough, particularly when the support services were located in a different place. The redevelopment of John West House was welcomed, Huw Thomas asked how many units would be made available as part of the project and whether there would be space for outreach work.

Alex Szantai confirmed that the plan was for double figure provision to be made at John West House and it would be a supportive environment in the form of a hub. The team tried to keep rough sleepers in the borough as they were aware of the potential negative impact being relocated out of borough could have on families and individuals.

Kevin McDaniel said that funding needed to be acquired for regulatory changes at John West House, this funding had now been secured.

The Chair asked if the process for confirming how many rough sleepers there were in the borough could be outlined.

Alex Szantai explained that all reports of rough sleeping came into the team, visits were then made. If the individual was from another borough, they would be referred to the relevant local authority. If they were a RBWM resident, they would be given accommodation and support. A head count of the number of rough sleepers was done each year to build a benchmark. Rough sleepers could be reported to the team through the website.

Stephen Dunn commented that at Wexham Park Hospital there were a number of patients being admitted but there was also a delay in discharge due to the lack of temporary accommodation available.

Alex Szantai said that through government funding a cross Berkshire coordinator had been recruited who would be looking at the hospital discharge process.

ACTION – Alex Szantai to share contact details of the Berkshire coordinator with Stephen Dunn.

The Chair asked if the council had good connections with other homeless organisations in the borough and charities like food banks.

Alex Szantai confirmed that the team had fortnightly meetings with the Windsor Homeless Project along with other agencies.

Huw Thomas said that there was an excellent steering group which met every couple of months and was attended by various representatives from NHS Frimley, RBWM and other organisations.