Issue - meetings

Arising from a report of the Group Manager for Housing, the Homes Policy Development Group had recommended that the Housing Service continues to work in partnership to deliver the Housing Options Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) and Extended Winter Provision Protocol.

Arising from a report from the Group Manager for Housing, the Homes Policy Development Group had recommended that the Housing Service continues to work in partnership to deliver the Housing Options Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) and Extended Winter Provision Protocol.

The Cabinet Member for Housing outlined the contents of the report stating that the Council was a member of the Devon and Cornwall Housing Options Partnership (DCHOP). Members of the partnership worked together with the aim of preventing rough sleeping at any time of the year. The winter months presented the greatest risks to the health of rough sleepers. The service was available in Tiverton and there was one regular user.

Consideration was given to the recent survey and statistics available within the policy.

RESOLVED that the recommendations of the Policy Development Group be approved

(Proposed by Cllr R L Stanley and seconded by Cllr  C R Slade)

Note:  Report previously copy attached to minutes.

To receive a report from the Housing Group Manager regarding the Council’s responsibility to prevent rough sleeping. However, risks relating to the health of those sleeping rough can increase during the winter period. The Housing Service works in partnership with other local authorities and the existing protocol relating to this has been reviewed.

The Group had before it a * report of the Group Manager for Housing presenting a revised protocol in case of severe weather.

She outlined the contents of the report stating that the Council was a member of the Devon and Cornwall Housing Options Partnership (DCHOP). Members of the partnership worked together with the aim of preventing rough sleeping at any time of the year. The winter months presented greatest risks to the health of rough sleepers. They also offered increased opportunities to engage with hard-to-reach groups and those rough sleepers who may not wish to consider any other sort of lifestyle. This was due to the fact that they may be more likely to accept support at this time of the year.

Consideration was given to the number of homeless and engaging with those who did not wish to be helped.

RECOMMENDED to the Cabinet that: the Housing Service continues to work in partnership to deliver the Housing Options Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) and Extended Winter Provision Protocol.

 (Proposed by Cllr D Coren and seconded by Cllr R J Dolley)

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