Issue - meetings

To seek approval for a supplementary income request of £900,000 to meet escalating demands in relation to homelessness provision.

Members received a supplementary income request in order to meet escalating demands in relation to homelessness and temporary accommodation. Concern was expressed that 27% of those seeking temporary accommodation were doing so as a result of domestic abuse, and officers were commended for their work to support them. The impact of changes to requirements for landlords which had resulted in many selling their properties was also highlighted. It was moved by Councillor M Mullaney, seconded by Councillor Lynch and unanimously

RESOLVED –

(i)            A supplementary income allocation of £900,000 be approved for 2025/26;

(ii)          The pressures facing local authorities locally and nationally in relation to homelessness and temporary accommodation be noted;

(iii)         The risk of longer stays in costly and unsuitable bed & breakfast accommodation should sufficient resources not be available be acknowledged;

(iv)         The work being progressed to prevent future reliance on costly accommodation such as bed & breakfast be noted.

To consider a supplementary income request to meet escalating demands in relation to homelessness provision.

Members were updated on significant pressures facing local authorities nationally and locally in relation to homelessness and temporary accommodation which had led to a supplementary budget request to meet escalating demands. In response to members’ questions, the following points were noted:

·         The rates of 27% in temporary accommodation due to domestic abuse was similar nationally and may have increased due to more work having been undertaken to encourage reporting

·         There had been an increase in families needing temporary accommodation

·         The budget and number of cases had increased disproportionately which was due to increased charges, people staying in temporary accommodation for longer periods, and the increase in families in temporary accommodation.

It was moved by Councillor Harris, seconded by Councillor Crooks and

RESOLVED –

(i)            The request for a supplementary income allocation of £900,000 for 2025/26 be supported;

(ii)          The significant pressures facing local authorities be noted;

(iii)         The work being progressed to prevent reliance on nightly-paid accommodation such as B&Bs be noted.