The Head of Housing and Communities introduced the report which provided an update on the current performance in relation to Temporary Accommodation (TA) and the current budget position.  The report also set out current controls in place to manage the TA budget.

The Head of Housing and Communities reported that since the report had been published she had been made aware that the Council would receive £32,000 from the Winter Preparedness Fund for the current financial year.  She said the funding more than covered the Council’s Severe Weather Emergency Protocol Placements and some additional Rough Sleeper placements.  The Head of Housing and Communities further reported that the Council had also received a grant of £87,699 to spend on Prevention Responsibilities.  The grant was subject to a spend deadline of 31 March 2025, and officers were looking at the terms of the grant to ensure it was utilised.

The Head of Housing and Communities referred to an ‘open’ consultation on the future formula for the Homeless Prevention Grant (HPG) 2026-27 closing date 11 March 2025.  She stated that if the ‘funding pot’ remained as it was, currently the Council would do better financially.  However, officers had some concerns regarding the proposed formula in respect of TA which she outlined for Members.  The Head of Housing and Communities advised that officers were preparing a consultation response and comments from Members were welcome.

Councillor Lloyd Bowen moved the following motion:  That delegated authority be given to the Head of Housing and Communities in consultation with the Chair of the Housing and Health Committee to prepare a response to the consultation on the future formula of the HPG.  This was seconded by Councillor Ashley Wise.  On being put to the vote the motion was agreed.

The Chair invited questions from Members, and points raised included:

·         The new affordable homes figures were disappointing;

·         noted that the Council would be looking at the impact from the caravan park closures and pre-empt the last minute problems caused;

·         how did officers differentiate whether it was or was not domestic abuse in respect of requests for TA?; and

·         how long had it taken for Bridge House, Sittingbourne to become available for TA, and how many people could it accommodate?

In response, the Head of Housing and Communities reported that officers within the housing department were highly trained to recognise the signs of domestic abuse and that customers had to complete a nationally approved questionnaire.  If customers were deemed to be high risk of domestic abuse they would receive a higher level of protection.  She further reported that the Council had a dedicated domestic abuse worker and part of their role was to increase knowledge within the housing team and work closely with partner agencies.  The Council were also currently applying for the Domestic Abuse Housing Accreditation.

With regard to Bridge House, the Head of Housing and Communities advised it was owned by SH, and the Council had entered into an agreement with them and she understood that the delay in letting-it had been due to some unfinished void works and issues with the previous tenants leaving the property.  The Head of Housing and Communities agreed to provide the committee with the updated position on when the property would be available as soon as possible.

The Chair thanked the officer for the report and welcomed the progress made due to the hard work of the housing team.

Resolved:

(1)   That delegated authority be given to the Head of Housing and Communities in consultation with the Chair of the Housing and Health Committee to prepare a response to the consultation on the future formula of the HPG.

(2)   That the TA spend update be noted and congratulated officers on progress made.