Agenda item

Homelessness Prevention Contract

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Leytham)

 

Report of the Head of Health and Housing Services

Minutes:

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Leytham)

 

Cabinet received a report from the Head of Health and Housing to inform members of the options available for the future delivery of the Homelessness Prevention Contract, which is due to expire on 31 March 2012.

 

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:

 

 

Option 1: 

Deliver  the Homeless Prevention service in house as part of the “Enhanced Housing Options” service at a reduced cost

Option 2:

Re-tender a revised Homeless Prevention Contract on the same basis as if the Council would deliver the service in house.

Option 3:

Discontinue the Homelessness Prevention Service Contract and deliver its statutory homelessness function only.

Advantages

Staff expertise and established links with agencies.   Cost efficiencies with joined up delivery with Housing Options service. Homeless Prevention initiatives would be embedded within Homelessness service.  Maintain the current levels of homelessness presentations and continue to reduce use of temporary accommodation.

Added value to incorporate outcomes for training, volunteering and employment. (worklessness).

 

Allows some funding to go to third sector.

 

Contractor would be responsible for admin/staffing issues.

An initial financial saving of £88,500. 

 

Option 1: 

Deliver  the Homeless Prevention service in house as part of the “Enhanced Housing Options” service at a reduced cost

Option 2:

Re-tender a revised Homeless Prevention Contract on the same basis as if the Council would deliver the service in house.

Option 3:

Discontinue the Homelessness contract and prevention service and resume the delivery of its statutory homelessness function only.

Disadvantages

Possible delays with recruitment of staff – possible gap in service delivery.

May not achieve efficiencies linked with housing options team.

May not have skills/capacity to deal with worklessness issues.

 

Further cost of tendering exercise.

Increase in statutory homelessness presentations and placements in to temporary accommodation.  Vulnerable households will experience more disruption and poorer service.

Risks

Voluntary sector signposting all housing/

homelessness

enquiries to the City Council.

 

May not be an attractive contract and contract value so may be few suitable tenders.

This option would have long term budget implications and Increased administration.

 

 

                      Option 1 was the officer preferred Option. This would enable the Council to build on the housing options model and achieve efficiencies.  If Members decided to continue to make available the resources to continue the prevention of homelessness as a strategic priority as outlined in the district’s Homelessness Strategy 2008-13, this would help ensure that the current levels of statutory homeless presentations were maintained.  It would also continue to improve the housing outcomes of the most vulnerable citizens and facilitate an integrated partnership approach to homeless prevention.

 

Councillor Leytham proposed, seconded by Councillor Hanson:-

 

“(1)      That Cabinet agree to the continuation of the homeless prevention contract activity

(2)        That it is delivered in house at a reduced cost as part of an enhanced housing options service, as outlined in the report.

(3)        That the recurring saving of approximately £35K be considered for use to create apprenticeships within the council to help towards reducing homelessness through worklessness working in partnership with Lancaster and Morecambe College and that a report be produced to see how this could be realised.”

 

Councillors then voted:-

 

Resolved unanimously:

 

(1)        That Cabinet agree to the continuation of the homeless prevention contract activity

(2)        That it is delivered in house at a reduced cost as part of an enhanced housing options service, as outlined in the report.

(3)        That the recurring saving of approximately £35K be considered for use to create apprenticeships within the council to help towards reducing homelessness through worklessness working in partnership with Lancaster and Morecambe College and that a report be produced to see how this could be realised.

 

Officers responsible for effecting the decision:

 

Head of Health and Housing

Head of Governance

 

Reasons for making the decision:

 

The Homeless Prevention Contract contributes towards meeting the identified priorities within the Homelessness Strategy 2008-2013, namely the Prevention of Homelessness Through, Timely Advice, Intervention and Support.  The decision fits with the Corporate Plan Priorities – Economic Regeneration (housing regeneration) statutory responsibilities and also supports the intention to protect the most vulnerable which underpins all the City Council’s priorities.   The Homeless Prevention Contract has assisted those who are most vulnerable by providing timely advice, intervention and support by assisting single households and families retain their existing accommodation or by sourcing suitable alternative accommodation.  Homeless Prevention is targeted at those who are both vulnerable and socially excluded. Homeless prevention also contributes to social cohesion and sustainable communities.  Apprenticeships for people in worklessness is a priority for consideration by Cabinet.

 

 

Supporting documents: