Agenda item

A report from the Executive Director Place is attached. (Non key)

(Report No.93)

(8.45 – 8.50 pm)

Councillor Dino Lemonides (Cabinet Member for Housing) introduced the report of the Executive Director – Place (No.93) outlining the approach to reducing homelessness and temporary accommodation in Enfield.

NOTED

1.            That Enfield continued to face significant challenges in addressing homelessness as outlined in the report. Pressure on temporary accommodation had increased significantly. As at the end of March 2018, Enfield had been ranked second highest nationally for the number of families in temporary accommodation, most of which were housed in private sector owned properties.

2.            That the number of households approaching Enfield was increasing and it was important for the Council to find sustainable ways to intervene to address the highest causes of homelessness and, reduce the demand for temporary accommodation. The new legal requirements were also noted, as set out in the report.

3.            That the report recommended a mix of interventions and initiatives which were highlighted to Members.

4.            That a new Homelessness Prevention Strategy was in development and was due to be presented to Cabinet early in 2019.

5.            Members noted the significant number of residents who presented to their ward surgeries with housing issues. The value of the service provided at John Wilkes House by Council staff was acknowledged and praised.

6.            In response to issues raised, Members considered the impact of families being placed in Enfield by other local authorities and how the Council was addressing the implications of this for its own residents. Councillor Lemonides outlined the issues that were being taken forward by the Labour Housing leads in the London Boroughs. Areas of concern would continue to be raised and discussed.

7.            Examples of the type of work being undertaken and initiatives explored, as set out in the report, including mediation services. Members highlighted specific areas of concern to be addressed.

8.            It was acknowledged that this was very complex and challenging area for the Council to address. The issues of supply and demand, and the need to look at long-term solutions for those tenants currently housed in temporary accommodation were noted. An on-going issue of concern impacting on housing supply was the Government’s right to buy policy.

9.            Noted the alternative options considered, as set out in section 4 of the report. Further reports would be presented to future Cabinet meetings as appropriate for consideration.

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED, the detailed alternative options which had been considered as set out in full in section 4 of the report, including: Do nothing; invest in prevention but not supply initiatives; and, implement supply initiatives, but no investment in prevention.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed 

1.         To note the report and cost the Council was facing dealing with increasing homelessness demand and the cost of temporary accommodation services.

2.         That officers do further work on proposals as set out in section 3.15 of the report – Modular (flexible) Housing and section 3.16 of the report – Social Lettings Agency and investment in prevention to reduce demand and increase supply of housing and bring these back for further consideration by January 2019.

3.         Note that the Council’s focus on preventing homelessness, a new Homelessness Prevention Strategy was in development, and it was planned to go to Cabinet early in the new year.

Reason: NOTED, the detailed reasons for the recommendations as set out in section 5 of the report.

(Non key)