Agenda item

Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2024- 2029

Decision:

The Executive Mayor in Cabinet Resolved to:

2.1 Considered and Agreed;

2.1.1 the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2024- 2029 as detailed in Appendix A;

2.1 the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy Summary Review detailed in Appendix B; and

2.1.3 the Summary Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Consultation Report detailed in Appendix C

2.2 Delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Housing to make minor amendments to the Strategy in consultation with the Executive Mayor and Cabinet Member for Homes following agreement by the Executive Mayor but prior to its recommendation and adoption by full Council.

2.3 For the reasons set out aboveRECOMMEND TO FULL COUNCIL the adoption of:

2.3.1 the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2024-2029 as set out in Appendix A;

2.3.2 the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy Summary Review in Appendix B; and

2.3.3 the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Consultation Report in Appendix C.

Minutes:

The Executive Mayor introduced the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy Plan 2024 - 2029 which looks to improve the current service and address an issue which is a London wide problem having engaged with residents and partners.

The Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Homes, Councillor Lynne Hale shared with Cabinet that theHomelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2024 - 2029 in conjunction with the Housing Transformation programme agreed at Cabinet in December 2022 sets out how the council intends to improve the homeless and rough sleeping services and provide better outcomes for residents at risk of being made homeless and the homeless after years of neglect which will take years to fix. The proposals provide for a better structure which will respond better to and prevent the causes of homelessness, reliance on temporary accommodation and achieve better outcomes for residents and families. It was noted that extensive consultations were undertaken.

The Corporate Director of Homes, Susmita Sen added that the strategy provides the foundations of working ways going forward, a key part of the Transformation Programme and the start of an exciting journey.

The Shadow Cabinet Member for Homes, Councillor Chrishni Reshekaron welcomed the fact that the council was in a position to publish the proposed strategy. However, concerns were noted with the recommendations made by the Scrutiny Committee. Serious consideration will be given as to how the strategy can be improved and strengthened which will likely involve submissions of amendments which will be developed in time for the next full Council.

The Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Homes, Councillor Lynne Hale responded that amendments should be submitted at the earliest opportunity to be able to consider and build them into the strategy and noted that it was clear that the Shadow Cabinet wanted to be part of creating the strategy and welcomed the positive contribution.

The Executive Mayor reiterated the sentiment that there is plenty of opportunity to feedback and welcomed engagement with the process to develop the strategy as early as possible rather than last minute objections and recommendations. This will come to full Council in due course.