Issue - meetings

Housing Portfolio

To consider report SHAP/79 of the Head of Strategic Housing.

The Cabinet considered report SHAP/79 of the Head of Strategic Housing. The Housing Portfolio Holder presented the report, which explained changes made to the Homelessness Code of Guidance in April 2019 that have led the Council to generate a Temporary Accommodation Placement Policy (Appendix A of report SHAP/79). The Code of Guidance now states that a Council must only offer out of borough placements if the placement was made in accordance with a published policy (or if the applicant has specified a preference). Cabinet members expressed concern for treatment of those who become homeless and agreed that out of area placements would only be offered in extenuating circumstances.

RESOLVED

That the Cabinet:

a)    Approves the Temporary Accommodation Placement Policy (Appendix A of report SHAP/79) for adoption and subsequent publication.

b)    Delegates authority to the Head of Strategic Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing, to review and make minor amendments to the Temporary Accommodation Placement Policy as further changes to legislation and statutory guidance are introduced. (Generic Delegation 7 will be used to enact this recommendation).

Reasons for the Recommendations

To fulfil the Council’s legal duty to publish a policy regarding the allocation of temporary accommodation.