Agenda item

The Committee heard from the Homes, Health & Wellbeing Team Manager who explained that the paper set out the current approach taken to homelessness in West Lindsey and looked to recommend an approach to delivery over the next two years. The paper gave Members a clear overview of the position in relation to homelessness, the numbers of people who approached West Lindsey as homeless, and the ways in which the team worked with some of the most vulnerable residents to either prevent them from becoming homeless or secure them a new home with any required support needed to sustain a tenancy.

Members heard that the purpose of updating the approach to homelessness was due to the amended way in which homelessness services were going to be funded from April 2026 onwards. Detail was provided on the new funding structure and the proposals on how funding be utilised for the next two years based on the evidenced approach. This approach was consistent with the way in which these services had been delivered to date, with the addition of exploring ways of working with other partners to improve services across the whole system.

The Chairman thanked the officer for her clear presentation, and praised the use of an introduction video which had been previously circulated to Members.

Members of the Committee welcomed the news of the reviewed funding structure, and the stability it would provide leading into the upcoming Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). The proposals to continue seeking ways to work with other organisations and continue improvements to the service were also welcomed.

In response to a series of questions regarding the specifics of housing available to those presenting as homeless, it was confirmed that the provision of the crash bed was for single occupancy only, and was used with the intention of preparing an individual for taking on, and sustaining, a longer term tenancy. The occupancy rate had been lower than anticipated due to the need for repair work to have been carried out. Access to the facility was managed by the team during standard office hours, with out of hours referrals being dealt with by the on-call service and transferred to the team the next working day. Additionally, whilst the use of the crash bed was typically associated with those individuals who may have significant health or social needs, there had been no instances of emergency services being called to attend the location. With regard to the costs involved with the provision, Members heard that full occupancy of the service would equate to £55 per night, and this was comparable with similar provisions across the county.

In response to a question regarding past experiences of working with partner agencies and use of emergency accommodation which had caused difficulties in the local community, it was explained that the accommodation referred to was no longer used, and the experience had been used to better inform what was, or was not, suitable as emergency accommodation. With regards to working with local NHS Trusts, there had been significant movement with the Trust leading on new approaches having also employed to a designated housing role. It was acknowledged that housing difficulties impacted on inpatient discharges into the community, however there had been renewed focus on working together across all sectors to address delayed discharges caused by housing issues.

Members welcomed this, however it was highlighted that there were wider, national, issues in relation to NHS services being pared back and local authorities having what were perceived as unreasonable expectations placed upon them.

With no further comments or questions, and with thanks once again extended to the team for their work, the paper was duly proposed, seconded, and voted upon. It was

            RESOLVED that

a)    the positive work of the Homelessness Services as detailed in the report be acknowledged; and

b)    the homelessness approach as set out within the report detailed at section 15 be approved and recommended for inclusion within the Medium-Term Financial Plan; and

c)    officers continue to work with Lincolnshire County Council and Lincolnshire Partnership Foundation Trust to develop proposals for new ways of working.