Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing.

The Council’s Preventing Homelessness Strategy 2016 -2021 was approved by the Executive in December 2016. Since then, the Government has brought forward legislative changes via the 2017 Homelessness Reduction Act to ensure those at risk of or experiencing homelessness are provided with the advice and support that they need to alleviate these circumstances. This annual update to the 2016 Preventing Homelessness Strategy therefore seeks to incorporate and respond to these changes, as well as providing an up to date review of homelessness in Stockport.

The Cabinet is recommended to approve the Preventing Homelessness Strategy 2016 – 2021 – Update 2018.

Officer contact: Andy Kippax, 0161 474 4319, andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider revisions to the Preventing Homelessness Strategy 2016 -2021, amended in light of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 to incorporate and respond to changes, as well as providing an up to date review of homelessness in Stockport.

The Cabinet Member highlighted that while the Council and Stockport Homes had been successful at minimising homelessness in Stockport, demand for housing was rising. The importance of prevention was emphasised and this would remain a key priority.

The Cabinet Member for Health highlighted the challenge of homelessness faced by ex-service personnel.

RESOLVED – That the Preventing Homelessness Strategy 2016 – 2021 – Update 2018 be approved.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The report outlines proposed updates to the Council’s Preventing Homelessness Strategy.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Andy Kippax on 0161 474 4319 or e-mail: andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing details of an updated Preventing Homelessness Strategy to reflect legislative changes resulting from the 2017 Homelessness Reduction Act to ensure those at risk of or experiencing homelessness were provided with the advice and support that they need to alleviate these circumstances in addition to providing an up to date review of homelessness in Stockport.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         In response to question about the increase in the number of terminations of assured shorthold tenancies, it was stated that the main causes were the introduction of universal credit, the benefit cap and the sale of houses by landlords.

·         Members and former members of the armed forces were given additional priority in the housing allocation policy, however the number of people affected by this provision was very small in Stockport.

·         The Homeless Reduction Act sought to encourage people to present themselves to the local authority earlier.

·         Work was taking place at a Greater Manchester level to try and leverage more control over the private rented sector.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.