Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Head of Housing Services. The full Strategy can be viewed on the Council’s website http://www.exeter.gov.uk or on request to Member Services.

Scrutiny Committee – Community considered the report at their meeting on 3 June 2008 and their comments will be reported.

(Report circulated)

The report of the Head of Housing Services was submitted seeking Members’ endorsement of the content of the revised Homelessness Strategy.

Scrutiny Committee – Community considered the report at their meeting on 3 June 2008 and the comments and support of members were noted.

The Director Community and Environment identified the key proposals within the revised Strategy reflecting needs identified through the consultation process. Executive welcomed the revised strategy particularly the emphasis on preventing homelessness and supporting clients to move through the varying types of housing.  They noted Scrutiny Committee – Community’s request for a further report to that Committee providing information on how homelessness decisions relating to vulnerable people were reached.

Executive recommendedthat:-

(1)     the revised Homelessness Strategy document 2008-2013 be adopted; and

(2)     an annual report be submitted outlining progress against the strategy’s action plan.  

The report of the Head of Housing Services was submitted seeking Members’ endorsement of the content of the revised Homelessness Strategy.

Scrutiny Committee – Community considered the report at their meeting on 3 June 2008 and the comments and support of members were noted.

The Director Community and Environment identified the key proposals within the revised Strategy reflecting needs identified through the consultation process. Executive welcomed the revised strategy particularly the emphasis on preventing homelessness and supporting clients to move through the varying types of housing.  They noted Scrutiny Committee – Community’s request for a further report to that Committee providing information on how homelessness decisions relating to vulnerable people were reached.

RECOMMENDED that:-

(1)     the revised Homelessness Strategy document 2008-2013 be adopted; and

(2)     an annual report be submitted outlining progress against the strategy’s action plan.  

(Report circulated)

To consider the report of the Head of Housing Services – report circulated.

Councillor Newton declared a personal interest as an employee of the Meaningful Occupation Project (part of Exeter Shilhay).

The Housing Needs Manager presented the report seeking endorsement of the content of the revised Homelessness Strategy.

In response to Members, he enlarged on the relationship with Home Choice particularly in respect of the accommodation at Trailways, Venny Bridge and briefly explained the process relating to the rough sleepers count. He also advised that the City Council had sought a fair allocation of resources through the Devon Joint Commissioning Body of the Supporting People project.

A Member stated that she was aware of a number of individuals who might be categorised as intentionally homeless but because of the chaotic nature of their lives and their vulnerability could or had become homeless through no fault of their own.  She was anxious to ensure that each case was thoroughly assessed and that, had they been made homeless through no fault of their own, they should be given a second chance. 

Scrutiny Committee - Community supported the report and requested Executive to:-

(a)        adopt the revised Homelessness Strategy document 2008-11;

(b)        agree to an annual report being submitted outlining progress against the Strategy’s action plan; and

(c)        agree to a further report being made to the next meeting of this Committee providing information on how homelessness decisions were reached relating to vulnerable people.

(Report circulated)