Issue - meetings

The Executive Member for Neighbourhoods presented the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026–2031, noting that the Council was required by statute to produce and maintain a strategy. Thanks were extended to officers for their work in preparing the document.

Members were advised that the strategy set out five strategic objectives, with a primary focus on preventing homelessness and rough sleeping wherever possible. Where homelessness could not be prevented, the strategy sought to minimise the length of time individuals experienced homelessness, improve access to temporary accommodation and increase the availability of affordable housing across the district.

The Executive Member for Neighbourhoods proposed the recommendations as detailed in the report. The Executive Member for Financial Sustainability seconded the proposal.

Members welcomed the strategy and the supporting data and suggested that homelessness performance data should be reported more regularly. Officers advised that the data was already collected monthly and reported nationally on a quarterly basis and agreed to consider providing more regular updates to Members.

Members noted the increase in homelessness presentations linked to mental health issues and sought assurance that appropriate support was in place. It was advised that the Council worked closely with Hertfordshire County Council and voluntary sector partners to provide specialist support and that the strategy included actions to strengthen this provision. It was further noted that the Council’s longer-term homelessness prevention funding settlement would support the development of additional services.

Concern was expressed regarding the increasing number of homelessness cases where domestic abuse was a contributing factor. It was confirmed that the Council worked with a range of specialist partners, including county-wide commissioned services and local voluntary organisations, to provide support and emergency accommodation where required. The strategy included measures to expand provision and promote earlier intervention. Members highlighted the valuable awareness-raising and training provided by Future Living in relation to domestic abuse.

The motion to support the recommendations, having been proposed and seconded, was put to the meeting and upon a vote being taken, was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that (A) Executive consider the content of the draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Review and Strategy 2026-31 and raise any further points for consideration for inclusion; and
 

(B) subject to any further points raised, Executive recommend the document to Council for approval.