Issue - meetings

This report by the Housing Options Manager details the findings of the Homeless Working Group and makes recommendations on work streams that will assist in the reduction of homelessness. It further seeks clarity on the future of the Homeless Working Group, and to agree support for the recommendations to better understand the causes of homelessness and the solutions needed to reduce the number of homeless rough sleepers.

RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet clarifies the future role of the Homeless Working Group:

a)         Does the Homeless Working Group continue in its current format;

b)        Does it become a steering group to oversee the recommendations moving forward and the preparations for implementing the Homeless Reduction Act; OR

c)         Is the group disbanded, and the recommendations moved forward as 'business as normal' 

(1)  The Cabinet clarified the future role of the Homeless Working Group, with the disbanding of the group, the role of a Homeless Community Champion is formed and Councillor Paul Godier was appointed to take this role.

(2)  The Cabinet gave support and approval for the following recommendations:

a)    To complete the Safer Portsmouth Partnership complex needs work to understand how services work together (housing, mental health, substance misuse etc) when dealing with individuals with multiple & complex needs,including findings from Scrutiny Panels.

b)    To complete the review of the supported housing provision for the homeless, and use the findings to redesign/recommission services to meet the increased demand and more challenging support needs.

c)    Undertake community asset mapping to maximise the contribution of the voluntary & community sector.

d)    Consider an annual event and/or regular forum that would raise awareness and help co-ordinate the work of voluntary & community sector working groups.

e)    Review current enforcement measures and develop a co-ordinated approach to enforcement between police and PCC to reduce duplication of operational responses.