Agenda item

Melissa Blower, Housing Project Manager, and Dan Kennedy, Corporate Director of Central Services, presented the report confirming that, at the previous meeting, the Committee had agreed to undertake a major review of the Council's Housing Advice and Homelessness service. The terms of reference for the review were set out in the agenda pack and the proposed review would focus on the Council's homeless prevention service, resident journey, and effectiveness of the service response in meeting need. Service users’ feedback would be sought as part of the review, and officers would be open to consider what other local authorities were doing to meet the rising demand and need for housing advice and homelessness.

The Housing Project Manager highlighted the local challenges, noting a 27% increase in approaches for housing advice and support over the last year, mainly due to the end of private renter tenancies. The reduction in available affordable private rented accommodation in Hillingdon and across London had led to difficulties in finding suitable housing, resulting in increased local authority financial contributions and benefits paid to support individuals with their housing costs. The rise in the number of people in temporary accommodation was emphasised.

The Chairman informed Members that a prior meeting with officers had taken place several weeks previously. Additional concerns regarding damp and mould had been raised at said meeting and it had been agreed that these matters would be the focus of a future minor review once the proposed major review had been completed. The focus of the major review was to delve deeper into the residents' experience when seeking housing assistance.

Members suggested inviting third-party charities to participate in the review. The discussion emphasised engaging with organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau and Shelter.

The Committee enquired about the impact of asylum seekers on the homelessness figures. It was acknowledged that there were a high number of asylum seekers in Hillingdon compared to other boroughs. Members were informed that those who were not eligible for assistance were provided with advice and guidance and referred on to other organisations who may have accommodation and be able to assist them.

Officers outlined plans to address the housing shortage; these included increasing social rented properties, working with Housing Associations, and exploring options to buy properties locally. One option to make accommodation more affordable was for the Council to pay the difference between the benefit rate and the market rate for accommodation and secure that on a two-year tenancy. Financial details were yet to be finalised and were expected to be part of the February budget plan.

Members reiterated their request for a crib sheet regarding Locata. It was agreed that officers would follow up on this matter after the meeting.

It was noted that some residents made their own situations more vulnerable in respect of housing as they did not fully understand the implications of becoming ‘intentionally homeless’. Officers were looking at a number of ways in which information and advice could be provided to help residents understand the implications of certain actions or decisions on their longer-term options.

Councillors suggested considering housing cooperatives and proposed inviting social prescribers and exploring a mystery shopper scheme as part of the review. It was noted that GPs and social prescribers would fall under the remit of the Health and Social Care Select Committee rather than the Residents’ Services Select Committee. Democratic Services would work with officers to explore this further.

Members welcomed the housing review and proposed a Code of Conduct and Housing Charter. The need to work with organisations like Trinity was highlighted and better communication with social housing developers and letting agencies was recommended.

The Chairman asked Members to review the terms of reference on page 27 of the agenda pack and liaise with Democratic Services regarding any amendments or additions to the proposed review.

The Committee suggested including the GLA (City Hall) in point four of the terms of reference. Additionally, the need to better support protected and vulnerable groups (such as LGBTQ+ groups and victims of domestic abuse) who were exposed to homelessness was noted and it was suggested that representatives of these groups be invited to attend a witness session.

Councillors raised concerns about people placed out of the Borough and suggested liaising with local schools to address the challenges faced by children commuting from other areas.

The Chairman concluded that the consensus of the Committee was to adopt the proposed review. The Committee expressed agreement to this, and the scoping report for the review was scheduled to be considered at the next meeting.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Committee agreed to adopt the proposed major review of Homeless Prevention and the Customer Journey; and

2.    That the Homeless Prevention & Customer Journey report be noted.