Issue - meetings

Arising from a report of the Head of Housing and Property Services, the Decent and Affordable Homes Policy Development Group had recommended: that the new Housing Options Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) and Extended Winter Provision Protocol be approved by Council.

Arising from a report of the Head of Housing and Property Services, the Decent and Affordable Homes Policy Development Group had recommended: that the new Housing Options Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) and Extended Winter Provision Protocol be approved by Council.

The Cabinet Member for Housing outlined the contents of the report stating that local authorities should have adequate provision to prevent rough sleeping at any time of the year, however the winter presented a greater risk to the health of rough sleepers and therefore a protocol had been put in place to assist those in need in severe weather.

(Proposed by Cllr R L Stanley and seconded by Cllr N V Davey)

Note: *Repot previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.

To receive a report from the Head of Housing and Property Services. As a member of the Devon and Cornwall Housing Options Partnership (DCHOP) the Housing service recognises that local areas should try to prevent rough sleeping at any time of the year. However, the winter period can present greatest risks to the health of rough sleepers. Therefore a protocol has been agreed with the other LAs in the County.

The Group had before it a report * from the Head of Housing and Property Services. As a member of the Devon and Cornwall Housing Options partnership (DCHOP) the Housing service recognised that local areas should try to prevent rough sleeping at any time of year. However, the winter period could present greatest risks to the health of rough sleepers. Therefore a protocol had been agreed with the other local authorities in the county.

The Housing Options Manager outlined the contents of the report stating that the death of a homeless person in Exeter had led to the drawing up of a protocol whereby emergency shelters would be provided for rough sleepers. It was explained that in previous years the Council had used empty corporate buildings to provide emergency shelter. Bed and Breakfast establishments were also used as shelter units. It was further explained that to the Council’s knowledge there were 7 homeless people across the district but it was difficult to track them as they tended to roam from area to area.

Discussion took place regarding whether it was possible to provide specific shelters in the Crediton area. It was explained that not every Bed and Breakfast would take every clientele and it may be that some would have to come to Tiverton, however, public transport costs could be paid.

It was confirmed that the Housing Options Manager was the Council’s responsible officer who worked with the joint strategic partnership for the area as well as local charities. His team were proactive in trying to engage with rough sleepers in order to try and avoid emergency situations when bad weather was predicted.

RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet recommends to full Council that the new Housing Options Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) and Extended Winter Provision Protocol be approved.

(Proposed by Councillor Mrs J Doe and seconded by Councillor Mrs H Bainbridge)

Note: * Report previously circulated; copy attached to the signed minutes.