Decision details

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1)    Duly note the outcome of the Homelessness Strategy consultation and the Equality Impact Assessment;

2)    Approve the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Review and Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy as appended to this report;

3)    Agree that a progress update will be provided to Cabinet on an annual basis.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and Growth introduced a report seeking Cabinet approval of Hillingdon’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for 2026 - 2030, following a statutory homelessness review and consultation with residents, staff and partner organisations. The Cabinet Member explained that the strategy addressed one of the most significant pressures facing councils, with homelessness contacts increasing sharply.

In 2024/25, over 7,300 households had approached the Council for assistance, a 47% rise on the previous year, and more than 1,600 households were living in temporary accommodation. Key drivers included private rented sector evictions, family and friends no longer being able to accommodate individuals, and domestic abuse, alongside rising rents, instability in the private rented sector and Hillingdon’s role as a Port Authority at Heathrow.

The Cabinet Member advised that the strategy placed prevention at its core, recognising that preventing homelessness was the best outcome for residents and the most sustainable way to manage temporary accommodation pressures. It strengthened the focus on resident?centred services, early intervention, access to safe and sustainable housing, clearer pathways for rough sleepers and vulnerable residents, and improved use of data and performance monitoring. Following consultation and scrutiny, the strategy placed greater focus on communication, partnership working, professionalism and empathy, and acknowledged the wider community impact of rough sleeping while setting out how concerns would be addressed. While the strategy did not introduce new direct costs, it provided an important framework for managing demand and supporting wider work to control financial pressures.

The Leader of the Council welcomed the comprehensive nature of the strategy and noted that behind the figures were families and children experiencing housing insecurity. He highlighted the importance of increasing housing provision and working with partners and described the strategy as a strong and balanced approach for the next five years.

Cabinet approved the strategy.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None, as there was a statutory obligation to produce a strategy to address homelessness at least once every five years.