Agenda item

The report is attached.

7.1       Greg Roberts (Head of Supply) introduced the report and advised that there were around 2,740 households in temporary accommodation, of which just under a half were located within Westminster. The Council was seeking to make more use of the private rented sector in order to prevent homelessness and in reducing the number of people in temporary accommodation.

7.2       Members then discussed the report and welcomed the efforts made to tackle homelessness in Westminster, underpinned by the Homelessness Strategy. It was acknowledged that the number of homeless people had increased. Members asked if there were ways they could help to ensure that there was earlier intervention in tackling this issue. It was also queried what steps were taken to stop people falling through gaps in services when they had initially been seen by the wrong service and was the linking up of services improving. Members expressed an interest in receiving training on tackling homelessness. A Member stated that there was currently a 10 year wait for a 2 bed property and the situation was worsening. He felt that policy supported private landlords and he asked if the Council could make an arrangement with central Government to purchase private accommodation so that tenants would become Council tenants, thus making providing support easier.

7.3       A Member commented that rough sleeping was a global issue and asked whether the Government was providing the support that the Council needed. He stated that the build to rent market was now huge and asked if there was a strategy to encourage long leases for such properties. He also asked whether those seeking accommodation wished to remain in Westminster or would be content to move out of borough. Another Member commented that use of private sector properties was not a long term solution to tackle homelessness as this was a less secure form of accommodation and rents were higher than social housing, which would lead to repeat customers seeking another home. Another Member commented that some people seeking accommodation had made a choice to accept offers of accommodation outside of Westminster and this was a realistic approach to take. One Member remarked that the number of homelessness had doubled in the last 9 years, despite economic growth throughout this period. A radical approach was needed to influence Government Policy on matters such as welfare reform to reduce homelessness. He added that some local authorities were looking at introducing a licensing system to prevent rogue landlords

7.4       In reply to the issues raised. Jennifer Travassos suggested that there might be some worth in officers attending councillor surgeries to assist in homelessness matters. There were some data gaps that needed plugging and there also existed the ‘hidden homelessness’. It was a cross Council priority for services to work together in a more joined-up way, including between Adult Social Care and Children’s Services. Jennifer Travassos stated that she could discuss with Janis Best (Member Services Manager) about training for Members on homelessness. Jennifer Travassos stated that there were regular meetings with central Government on rough sleeping in Westminster and substantial lobbying took place.

7.5       Greg Roberts advised that most needing accommodation wanted to remain in Westminster, however they were more likely to outside of the borough if they viewed the property first before making their decision. He stated that there was a range of options in finding homeless people accommodation, and not just through the private sector.

7.6       Barbara Brownlee advised that there would need to be a change in national policy to support councils to purchase private accommodation. With regard to build to rent, she informed Members that it was difficult to secure such accommodation for those on housing benefit or on low income levels. Barbara Brownlee advised that options had been discussed on how to tackle rogue landlords and further information could be provided on this. There was not a licensing scheme in place for landlords, however this could be considered further. Barbara Brownlee added that big efforts were being made in getting people into employment and this was an essential component in tackling homelessness.

7.7       The Chairman concluded discussions on this item by stating that the private rented sector in Westminster differed quite markedly to that of other local authorities. He stated that an update on progress on tackling homelessness would be presented at a future meeting.