The Head of Housing and Communities introduced the report which set-out the draft Housing, Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2023-27 for approval, and agreement for the document to be consulted on for 12 weeks.

Members considered the report and raised points which included:

·         Concerned that the housing figures in the report would not be correct if those residing in holiday caravan parks were not included;

·         what would the effect be in terms of the First Homes scheme following the pausing of the Council’s Local Plan?;

·         could the Housing and Health Committee be allowed to comment on the draft First Homes policy?;

·         what measures had been put in place to protect frontline SBC staff?;

·         suggested that training for members on how the housing process worked should be programmed in for after the May elections;

·         Members should be referred to the Kent Home Choice website which provided some guidance on the housing process; and

·         How did health professionals know what ‘Medical Need’ was relevant when considering housing needs of residents as part of the Council’s processes?

In response to questions, the Head of Housing and Communities agreed to ensure that caravan parks and their relationship with homelessness was reflected in the housing figures within the strategy.   The Head of Housing and Communities said that the Planning Policy Team was leading on the First Homes policy and she was aware that a consultant had been contracted to draft the policy which would be considered by the Planning and Transportation Policy Working Group.  She said that there had been several recruitment drives to fill the No Use Empty post.  The Head of Housing and Communities advised that recruitment of local government environmental health officers was difficult, and this was a similar issue across the county. 

The Head of Housing and Communities said the Council had a “fantastic” housing team who had worked very hard during the Covid-19 Pandemic to ensure rough sleepers were cared for.  She said that she was aware that the housing options team had to deal with the social needs of people as well as the housing needs and the impact that had on their mental health.  She spoke about a service which offered support for the psychological impacts on rough sleepers and that staff could also access that service for support on how to cope with issues they encountered in their role.  She said that it was a long time since a full stock condition surveys had been undertaken and the Council tended to work on a complaints-based system.

The Head of Housing and Communities welcomed the question in relation to relevant medical need and also carer need when considering suitable housing for people.  Medical need already made up a fundamental element of the decision process and therefore more precise and relevant information from health professionals would help inform decisions.  She said that she would liaise with the relevant local medical committee and local GPs about how they could be included.

The Chair moved the recommendations in the report, which were seconded by the Vice-Chair.

Resolved:

(1)      That the draft Housing, Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2023 – 2027 be approved for consultation.

(2)      That the consultation be undertaken for 12 weeks.