Decisions Made

It is essential that the organisation upgrades to Windows 10 before January 2020 to ensure all applications and operating systems are fully supported by Microsoft and therefore compliant with PSN standards.
The current operating system, Windows 7, needs to be removed from the CBC network, which means either upgrading or replacing all existing windows 7 devices. As the wider Transformation Programme includes the rollout of new, mobile devices such as laptops and tablets, the decision has been made to use the device rollout project as a means to deliver the rollout of Windows 10.
The provision of new laptops and tablets supports the Transformation Programme and its aims in providing staff across the organisation, the technology they need to work in new ways.
The key objectives are to:
1.To ensure every desktop/laptop operating systems and applications are fully supported prior to Jan 2020.
2.To ensure all new hardware is fully compliant with transformation plan objectives
Information and background
The Council’s ambition to move to a more agile and flexible work-force requires better, more flexible technology solutions including the user devices. Traditionally laptops have been the flexible solution to fixed desktops as they are designed to be mobile. However, technologically there are now other more flexible devices that offer greater options for an agile workforce; smart phones, tablets and hybrid 2-in-1 devices that offer both laptop and tablet capabilities.
The 2-in-1 device is designed to be as portable as a tablet, offering touch screen, 4G connectivity and optional stylus devices, while having a ‘fold away’ keyboard and the usual connectivity ports of a laptop; they can be used in the field, on the go, as effectively as in the office. These devices are based on the latest technology specifications and therefore offer a longer working life cycle over the current specification of traditional laptops, typically 1 – 2 years longer. While the 2-in-1 offers greater flexibility and are “future proofed” for the needs of the Council in terms of an agile and flexible work-force, the trade-off is cost; these devices are more expensive than traditional laptops.

The Head Digital and Transformation, in consultation with the Deputy Chief Executive and the Cabinet Member for Resources has made the decision to procure and deploy 325 Hybrid devices as per the recommendation contained within the business case.

The Head of Strategic Housing has agreed an operational change to redirect resources of up to 5 homes per year from Sussex Oakleaf (who no longer operate a supported housing service in Crawley), to Crawley Open House, a local hostel.
In return, the Council would be assisting Crawley Open House with the throughput of vacancies so that other homeless applicants who need shelter and with a local connection to Crawley are better placed to access the homeless hostel. This also includes residents who approach the Council for assistance and who are not eligible for emergency temporary accommodation.
Crawley Open House (COH) is a day centre and hostel with shared kitchens, bathrooms and laundry facilities. Residents, over the age of 18 and have a local connection to Crawley, are assisted with benefit claims, encouraged to manage their own finances, to seek employment and where appropriate to access help from outside agencies.
COH is the only hostel providing accommodation and support in the borough and therefore demand for their services is high.
When residents of COH are ready they are supported into move on accommodation owned and managed by the charity. COH own and manage 3 move on houses accommodating up to 15 residents at any given time. However, from there when they are ready for independent living, tenants have to find their own accommodation which can prove difficult in the current climate. Being able to access settled and affordable accommodation is crucial to enable throughput and ensure a move on pathway exists for single homeless people in Crawley.
The Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 came into force in April 2018 and significantly changed the way in which local authorities deliver services to people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness. It shifted the focus towards early intervention and the prevention or relief of homelessness, and for local authorities, having clear housing pathways for people (especially single homeless people with support needs) is vital if the use and cost of nightly paid temporary accommodation is to be minimised.
The Allocations Scheme currently allows up to 5 units per year of Council accommodation to be allocated to applicants who have been accepted onto the Sussexoakleaf tenancy support service. As this particular project no longer exists in its original form in the borough it is proposed that it be redirected to COH residents instead.
By diverting the direct lets to COH, the Council will greatly assist with increasing the throughput of vacancies at the hostel so that more homeless residents who approach the Council will be able to access the temporary accommodation.
The minor change to the wording of the scheme will also assist the Council to achieve more pathways for single homeless people (who may also be sleeping rough), without the need for expensive nightly paid temporary accommodation in line with the Homeless Reduction Act.

Following consultation on 2nd April 2019 with the Cabinet Member for Housing and in accordance with Delegation 7.1.5 of the Divisions Sub-Delegation Scheme the Head of Strategic Housing agreed with the recommendation and confirmed that the minor amendments to the Housing Allocations Scheme set out in the briefing paper shall take effect on Monday 8th April 2019.