Issue - meetings

The Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care, and Wellbeing considered the report which sought approval to accept the Rough Sleeping Drug and Alcohol Grant and award 2022-25.

In response to a question from the Cabinet Member, it was noted that there would be a separate budget for in patient and residential provision within this grant. In relation to residential services, it was clarified that a person’s pathway and post-residential options would be fully designed in advance. It was added that it would be possible to adapt and improve the pathway as more people used the services. It was explained that work in this area often took some time and it was often necessary to build trust and relationships. It was noted that the 2020-21 programme had significantly reduced the amount of drug related homeless deaths by 40% which was a key success.

The Cabinet Member RESOLVED

1.    To approve the receipt of the Office of Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) grant for Rough Sleeping Drug and Alcohol, for the year 2022/23 and 23/24 as permitted under Contract Standing Orders 16.02 and 17.1.

2.    To note that the indicative total value of the grant will be £1,184,613.

Reasons for decision

Substance misuse is a prevalent issue for those with a history of rough sleeping and is often an impediment to their moving to settled accommodation, if left untreated.

In 2021/22 Haringey Council successfully bid for a grant from OHID to provide street-based substance misuse services to those with a history of sleeping rough. The bid was designed by staff and residents with lived experience. Having successfully delivered on the 2021/22 programme OHID has now released further funding for Haringey for the years 2022-24. Delivery has been so successful that our grant has now been increased to a value that requires Cabinet member agreement.

Alternative options considered

The Cabinet Member could refuse to receive the grant. However, as there was a clear need for this work and strong support to tackle the impact of substance misuse on the homeless community, this option has been considered and rejected.