PAPER C
SOCIAL SERVICES, HOUSING AND BENEFITS SELECT
COMMITTEE – 6 NOVEMBER 2003
REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR SOCIAL
SERVICES AND HOUSING
This report gives members the opportunity to receive Homeless
Monitoring and Nomination Statistics from June 03 (month 3) to September 03
(month 6) for scrutiny purposes
|
ACTION REQUIRED BY SELECT COMMITTEE To make recommendations |
BACKGROUND
Attached at Appendix 1, are the monthly Homeless statistics from June
to September 2003, and at Appendix 2 the monthly Homeless Nomination statistics
from June to September 2003. In
addition at Appendix 3 are the B&B statistics, showing the figures being
monitored by the Government B&B Unit
Members will note from the data that the number of households
presenting as homeless has risen slightly, peaking in July. This reflects seasonal trends although is
higher than previous years. As a
result, reduction in the numbers in bed and breakfast has also slowed, although
this is likely to improve over the next quarter.
The number of families remaining in bed and breakfast over 6 weeks has
risen, but several of these households have accepted tenancies and are waiting
to move. The remaining households in
bed and breakfast who have been there longest will be targeted for rehousing as
dwellings become available.
Members will note that the average time taken to make homeless
decisions remains at 25 days, which is the target time.
We have awarded over 40 rent deposits to households who might otherwise
become homeless. The evidence suggests
that the use of this mechanism is delivering a high level of success in
homelessness prevention.
The number of leased properties continues to increase and there is a
positive flow of new leases in the pipeline.
It is this situation that gives continued optimism that the April
deadline will be achieved.
The number of households `homeless at home’ remains fairly stable.
APPENDICES ATTACHED
Appendix
1 Homeless Monitoring Statistics
(including charts 1 – 5)
Appendix 2 Homeless Nominations – June to September
2003
GORDON
KENDALL
Portfolio Holder for Social Services and Housing