Issue - meetings

The Committee received a report regarding the Lincolnshire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2022 – 2027. It was explained by the Homes, Health and Wellbeing Team Manager that the Homelessness Act 2002 required all Local Authorities to carry out a review of homelessness in their areas, formulate and publish a strategy based on the findings of this review, keep the strategy under review and consult with other local or public authorities and voluntary organisations before modifying or adopting a strategy.

Members heard that a consultation was completed throughout the development of the strategy which involved a wide range of stakeholders including, Lincolnshire County Council, third sector organisations and Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. A review of the previous strategy provided a basis on which the new strategy could be formulated along with stakeholder comments from the consultation.

Members thanked Officers for the report and the hard work that had been undertaken. In response to a question raised regarding the age of young people covered within the strategy, it was confirmed that young people up to the age of 25 years, and specifically care leavers, would be supported. It was noted that there was, currently, temporary accommodation and support for five units which would hopefully increase to 13 being available in the near future. It was anticipated that there would be a higher demand on the service with the cost of living increase.

Members again expressed their thanks for the work involved in supporting those vulnerable through homelessness and rough sleeping, and, having been moved and seconded, it was

RESOLVED that:

a)    the achievements detailed within the review of the Lincolnshire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2017-2021 be recognised and noted; and,

b)    the Lincolnshire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2022-2027 be adopted, and the mechanism for monitoring of the Strategy be noted.