Issue - meetings

(a) That the report be noted; and

(b) That the work being undertaken by the service continue to be supported.

The Service Manager – Housing and Prevention introduced a report to provide an update on the work undertaken to prevent homelessness across Flintshire.  He provided background information and referred to the impact of the Covid pandemic.  He said there were three phases to the homelessness response and the Council was currently in phase 3 which was the move to ‘New Normal’ and commented that there were some positives and challenges ahead.  The Service Manager gave a presentation which covered the following main points:

·         Phase 1 response

·         Phase 2 Planning

·         Phase 2 capital funding

·         Phase 3 the New Normal

·         Demand for services

·         out of hours response

·         emergency housing

·         rough sleepers

·         housing support

·         housing register

·         all social housing lettings

·         50% Covid nominations

·         peoples journeys

·         the homeless hub

·         new support services

·         looking to the future                                                                                                  

The Chair thanked the Service Manager for his informative report and presentation and spoke in support of the enthusiastic commitment and success of the work undertaken to address the problem of homelessness in the County.   

In response to a question from Councillor Kevin Rush the Service Manager agreed to circulate the out of hour’s homeless telephone number to Members following the meeting.

Councillor Dennis Hutchinson asked if there were plans to extend facilities and housing for homeless people into other areas of the County in addition to the areas already reported on.  The Service Manager said there was a need to increase the supply of social housing and intermediate rental accommodation.  The Chief Officer commented on the longer term strategy and on work with the SHARP programme to build in capacity and also reduce housing waiting lists.    

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Ron Davies and seconded by Councillor Mared Eastwood.

RESOLVED:

(a) That the report be noted; and

(b) That the work being undertaken by the service continue to be supported.