Issue - meetings

To receive a briefing paper from the Group Manager for Housing Services providing an overview of how the Council works to prevent and manage homelessness.

The Group had before it, and NOTED, a briefing paper * from the Group Manager for Housing Services providing an overview of how the Council works to prevent and manage homelessness.

The officer outlined the contents of the report with particular reference to the new Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and the implications that this had on officers and the fact that the council was now duty bound to make investigations if someone at risk of becoming homeless approached the council for assistance. If it was established that there was a threat of this, the Council had a statutory obligation to work with the person for 56 days in order to prevent them becoming homeless, this could include helping them to find alternative accommodation.

Consideration was given to:

·         The budgetary pressures associated with the new Act

·         Housing people in rural areas where it would be more appropriate for them to be housed in the towns.

·         How officers considered the appropriateness of locations for tenants

·         Wherever possible people would be placed in Mid Devon and their needs would be considered.

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