Issue - meetings

The Service Manager, Housing Services submitted a draft of the Council’s new Homeless Strategy 2019-24 and sought Members’ endorsement of the strategy for the purpose of consultation.  The Service Manager provided an overview of the report and summarised the objectives of the revised strategy to take account of the Homeless Reduction Act 2017 and the Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016.

Councillor D Andrews commented on the issue of affordable homes and the fact that people who would like to down-size their homes and release them for larger families, but were  prevented from doing so because the rent on a smaller property was often higher and not affordable.  The Service Manager explained the constraints within which housing associations had to work in relation to rents charged and affordability.   

Councillor Andrews referred to the Government’s involvement in the rental sector and housing stock which he felt, had generated a negative approach to making accommodation affordable and useable.

Councillor H Drake commented that Hertfordshire was one of the most expensive places to buy and rent and that more should be done in relation to Help to Buy schemes adding that it was cheaper to buy than to rent in some instances. 

Councillor M Stevenson referred to the occupants of some rental properties with anti-social behaviour and mental health problems and the need to work closer with partners. 

Councillor N Symonds sought and was provided with clarification about why the number of homeless people had changed within the table from 92 to 54 and what type of accommodation was used to provide those who were unintentionally homeless.  She had concerns that homelessness would probably rise as a result of Universal Credit.  The Service Manager – Housing agreed that she could foresee an increase in homelessness, but that the Council would continue to work with its partners to help mitigate the situation.

Councillor D Andrews sought and was provided with clarification regarding assistance given to veterans and the allocation of additional points.

Councillor M Casey raised the issue of rough sleepers.  The Housing Manager – Services explained that it was likely to be higher than the estimate (of 3) last year.

The Vice Chairman thanked the Officer for the report summary.

It was moved by Councillor D Andrews and seconded by Councillor H Drake that the recommendation, as detailed be supported.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the recommendations were declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that (A) the Homeless Strategy 2019-24 be received, and

(B)   the draft Homelessness Strategy be endorsed for the purpose of consultation with external partners and stakeholders, prior to its submission to Council for adoption.