Issue - meetings

[Report of the Director of Housing and Growth. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning.] This report sets out the new Rough Sleeping Strategy, which has been developed that consultation and subsequent further work with the Homelessness Forum, service users and other strategic partners. This new strategy sits alongside the new Homelessness Strategy.

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning set out the new Rough Sleeping Strategy, which had been developed following consultation and subsequent further work with the Homelessness Forum, service users and other strategic partners.

The key objectives of the strategy were rapid intervention, improving the health and wellbeing and resilience of rough sleepers, seeking to protect rough sleepers from the risk of violence and tackling street activity associated with rough sleeping.

RESOLVED

1.To note the equalities impact assessment at appendix 2.

2.To approve the draft Rough Sleeping Strategy set out in Appendix 1, and, in particular, the priorities of the strategy that are as follows:

(a)   Rapid intervention to offer a route off the street for all (as set out in section 7.4)

(b)   Improving health, wellbeing and resilience (as set out in section 7.5)

(c)   Tackling street activity (as set out in section 7.6)

Reasons for decision

Homelessness in Haringey remains a persistent challenge, with the second highest level of homelessness in the country. A radically different approach that drives whole systems change is necessary. Haringey needs a new culture for dealing with homelessness; rooted in honesty about what is and is not possible and based on finding solutions and offering support.

The strategic vision and priorities set out in the Rough Sleeping Strategy will guide our homelessness prevention and relief activities with partners and our communities over the coming years. The strategy is necessary to ensure our approach is appropriate, co-ordinated and that we are held to account on delivery.

The recommendation in 3.1 is to ensure the Council has met its duties under the Equality Act 2010.

The recommendation in 3.2 is to ensure that the Council specifically addresses the significant increase in rough sleeping in the borough and asks for a clear, distinctive and specific commitment from partners and residents.

Alternative options considered

Not to produce a Rough Sleeping Strategy

It is not mandatory to have a standalone Rough Sleeping Strategy. However, there has been a significant increase in rough sleeping in the borough. There has also been an ask of the council for a clear, distinctive and specific commitment to address this issue from partners and residents. Therefore, not having a standalone Rough Sleeping Strategy would fail to signal the Council’s intent on this issue and its commitment to act on feedback from stakeholders.