To receive the above update.

The Head of Public Protection explained that the issue had been brought to the Forum as a result of an increase in reports of homeless people in Windsor. The council was working with a multitude of stakeholders in the town centre including Thames Valley Police (TVP), third sector charities and council support teams to develop a holistic strategy for the town centre and night time economy issues. The draft strategy would be considered by senior officers and TVP in mid-November 2017. In the interim officers of the council and TVP were working together to profile individuals.

The Chairman commented that in such a wealthy society, no-one should be homeless and the council had a statutory responsibility to home the homeless. Given the council had a well-funded service he questioned why the prevalence of homeless people in the town was increasing. He asked whether this could be because people would not engage with the council?

The Head of Public Protection commented that not all the individuals on the street were necessarily actually homeless. There were a number of drivers for people to be on the streets. The reality was that some individuals did not want to engage or fell out of engagement. Other factors such as drug dependency came into play. This demonstrated the need for a holistic strategy. The Chairman commented that one driver was the ability to earn money from tourists in the town. If this was the case, the individuals should be moved on . The Head of Public Protection commented that such mechanisms were available but required evidence. The profiling that was being undertaken would identify where people were coming into the town with the aim of begging. The borough would work with other councils to identify needs the host authority may have an obligation to provide.

Councillor Bicknell highlighted that some of the individuals in question had mental health needs or addictions. The government required councils to house homeless people overnight when the temperature dropped below a certain point. The borough had taken the view that whatever the temperature, accommodation would be provided.

The Head of Public Protection acknowledged that a robust strategy would need buy-in therefore a community engagement process with residents, visitors and businesses would be required.

Councillor S Rayner commented that the council had opened Braywick Lodge as well as John West House. In conjunction with a local charity officers spoke to homeless people in the borough on a weekly basis.

Councillor Bowden highlighted the problem of the yard to side of the former Morrison’s premises that was used by homeless people. He felt that the area should be boarded up until construction on site began. The Town Manager confirmed that officers had been talking to the administrators of the premises however the response had been that they were not prepared to spend any money on the building. A more positive response had been received from the landlords therefore it was hoped that progress could be made. The Head of Public Protection explained that the council had some powers if the premises were not secure or allowed unlawful occupation. However the council needed to show it had taken all steps to get the owners to act first.  If the area was covered by a PSPO the police could confiscate alcohol. The Community Wardens worked closely with TVP on this issue. The Town Manager confirmed that discussions were underway with the two shopping centres to look at potential options such as banning notices for individuals. Businesses were being asked to report any activity as evidence was required in this respect.

The Chairman thanked the Head of Public Protection for his service to the council, as this was his last council meeting.