Council and democracy

The Director of Housing informed the Members that there was a change to the recommendations in the report. The Board should read “The Housing Overview & Scrutiny Committee” and the word approved should now read “to note”.

The Officer presented the report which sets out the local authority’s plans for the prevention of homelessness and for securing that sufficient accommodation and support were, or will be, available for people who become homeless or who were at risk of becoming so. The local authority must ensure that all organisations whose work can help to prevent homelessness and/or meet the needs of homeless people were involved in the strategy.

The Officer stated a full consultation plan had been undertaken and that the four main causes of homelessness in Thurrock were:

·         Eviction by parents, family or friend

·         The ending of an Assured Short hold tenancy

·         Violence or harassment

·         Mortgage or rent arrears

It was agreed by the Members and Officers that the key area was the homelessness prevention programme.

The Officer informed the Members that London Boroughs were using Thurrock to house their residents and paying very high incentives to landlords.

Councillor Hamilton asked the Officer if reviewing the Action Plan just once a year was a too long a period.

The Director of Housing confirmed that the annual review will be an overview of that year and that the forum will continue to meet in between this period. Those Members interested in attending the forum were to inform the democratic officer for referral to the Officer.

The officer confirmed that the Action Plan was a changing “living” document and this was necessary in order to meet emerging needs

Councillor Ojetola asked the Officer what the plans were for holding the Equalities Impact Assessment. The Officer confirmed that the initial assessment had been carried out and that face to face sessions were being held. A report will be available for Members.

Councillor Ojetola asked the Officers how Thurrock was addressing the economic impact and what the long term plan was. The Officer confirmed that there was a shortage of houses in Thurrock but there were clear plans to build new homes alongside the regeneration plans and Gloriana.

The Director of Housing stated work was undergoing with regard to working with Thurrock landlords, offering them stability, finding them suitable tenants, training and offering support.

Councillor MacPherson asked the Officer why a private landlord would do this when they could get higher rents elsewhere. The Officer agreed but stated that it was a rent payment guarantee for a landlord over a certain period of time.

The Members, the Portfolio for Housing and the Chair congratulated the team on all their hard work and being awarded the Bronze Prize in the National Practitioner Support Service Gold Standard Award.

Councillor Ojetola asked the Officer for Leaving Care Team stats. The Officer will confirm the numbers and inform Members accordingly.

Councillor Hamilton stated that it was good that a bidding war had not started with other local authorities as this could easily get out of hand.

Lynn Mansfield asked the Officers how Thurrock deal with private accommodation homelessness. The Officer confirmed that Thurrock had a duty to assist and follow set legislation that were in place, following the same assessments and priority procedures.

The Director of Housing confirmed that the Action Plan was on track and items for September 2015 were already in place.

Councillor Worrall stated that homelessness was a massive problem and had recently written a report for the Thurrock Gazette on this confirming that until the London Boroughs stop using Thurrock as an overspill the problem will continue to grow.

RESOLVED:

1.         That the Housing Overview & Scrutiny Committee note the Thurrock Homelessness Review 2015 document.

2.         That the Housing Overview & Scrutiny Committee to note the Thurrock Homelessness Strategy Action Plan 2015-20.

3.         That the Housing Overview & Scrutiny Committee to note an annual review of the Action Plan.

4.         That the Director of Housing refer to Cabinet the following:

a)    The Equalities Impact Assessments

b)    Emphasise the difficulties with retaining Thurrock Landlords

c)    Leaving Care Stats regarding failed tenancies

5.         That members will supply the democratic officer names of those who would attend the homelessness forum.

6.         That the Leaving Care Stats be available to Members.