SOCIAL SERVICES, HOUSING AND BENEFITS SELECT
COMMITTEE – 7 AUGUST 2003
REVIEW OF HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN
REPORT
OF THE HEAD OF HOUSING SERVICES
This report is to inform members of the progress made in implementing
the Homelessness and Housing Advice Implementation Plan
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ACTION REQUIRED BY SELECT COMMITTEE To make recommendations |
BACKGROUND
Following the CPA review of Homelessness and Advice during 2002, the
Council agreed an improvement plan with the Audit Commission as a means of
delivering a programme of continuous improvement and addressing identified
weaknesses in current homelessness services.
The Plan is due to be implemented over the three-year period 2002-5 and
has been developed as a series of action points focussed on individuals within
the Corporate structure.
Members considered progress in implementing the plan in February 2003 and
agreed to subsequently review the Plan every six months. This report sets out the progress made since
the last review.
Homelessness is one of the key issues faced by the Island and it is a
critical factor in addressing social exclusion and promoting social and
economic well-being amongst Island residents.
The difficulties experienced in dealing effectively with homelessness
have been exacerbated in recent years by the steep rise in house prices, whilst
incomes have remained relatively low.
There have been two major drivers that have prompted the review of
homelessness services in line with the Improvement Plan. The first is the CPA inspection, the result
of which links into the award of resources to local authorities. The award of a one star rating for the Isle
of Wight contributed to a reduction of £250,000 in the capital allocation from
2002/3 to 2003/4.
The second driver is the requirement to cease using bed and breakfast
as a mainstream housing resource and to produce a Homelessness Strategy that
promotes prevention as a main objective.
Members will be aware that the Homelessness Strategy features elsewhere
on the agenda of this committee.
The action plans outlined in the Homelessness Strategy need to be
considered alongside the service-related improvements instigated in the
Improvement Plan. Together, they set
out a blueprint for the development of an excellent service.
In terms of progress, members will be assured that under the traffic
light system, no action point in the Implementation Plan receives a red
light. The vast majority of points have
been achieved either partly or wholly and so receive green lights. Those points receiving an amber light are
generally in the process of implementation through a series of planned
actions. However, many of the points
are on-going in their nature and can therefore not be fully completed, but will
be continually reviewed.
Consultation on service delivery has been carried out as part of the
development of the Homelessness Strategy.
The outcome of these exercises relate directly to action points within
the Implementation Plan.
There are no direct financial implications resulting from this
report. Potential budgetary
implications for the future homelessness service are dealt with in the
Homelessness Strategy.
There are no direct legal implications
The Council has already agreed to deliver the measures contained within
the Implementation Plan. The sooner
these can be achieved will demonstrate the commitment of the Council to
improving the way we deal with homelessness to become a good or excellent
service.
The risks involved if the Council does not fully implement the
Improvement Plan are extensive. The
implication will be that the authority will continue to receive allocations
which do not adequately reflect the level of need on the Island. This will be further exacerbated if the bed
and breakfast target is not achieved as it is likely that the constraints of
the use of b&b will become statutory.
Members are asked to consider the report and make appropriate
recommendations.
Appendix 1 – Homelessness and Housing
Advice Improvement Plan 2002.
GLEN
GARROD
Strategic Director Social Services and Housing