Issue - meetings

The report of the Director – Neighbourhoods is attached.

It was RESOLVED that the South Nottinghamshire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2022-2027 referred to in Appendix A of the report be approved.

The Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Communities and Climate Change, Councillor Brennan, presented the report of the Director – Neighbourhoods providing an update on the South Nottinghamshire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2022 to 2027.

Councillor Brennan stated that the Borough was fortunate to have very low numbers of rough sleepers and homeless people; however, that should not diminish its importance nor the impact on those who were affected, and the Council could not afford to be complacent and should keep the situation under review, by working with all relevant partners to tackle the issue.  

Cabinet was reminded that the Council was obliged to publish a Homelessness Strategy every five years, which it did in conjunction with Gedling and Broxtowe Borough Councils, as the three Councils faced many common challenges.  The homelessness landscape had seen a number of significant changes in recent years, details of which were outlined in the report, and Cabinet was reminded of the importance of members being aware of the Council’s duties and how they would be discharged, with Cabinet formally endorsing that approach and the Strategy.  Details of the six identified key themes were set out in paragraph 4.7 of the report, with the actions and targets that supported them outlined in Appendix A, with progress against those targets being reported to the South Nottinghamshire Interagency Forum.

Councillor Brennan referred to the financial implications, outlined in paragraph 6.1 and advised Cabinet that across the three Boroughs, over £700k of Government funding had been secured to help deliver the Strategy.

In conclusion, Councillor Brennan reiterated that although the numbers affected in the South Nottinghamshire area were low, ideally no one in Rushcliffe should be faced with homelessness or sleeping rough, so it was important to remain vigilant.

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Inglis noted the statutory requirements previously referred to and reiterated the importance of working in partnership with the other two authorities.  Cabinet was reminded that it was not acceptable, for any reason, that anyone in this country should be forced into rough sleeping, as having a place to live was a fundamental requirement for wellbeing.  It was acknowledged that some people chose this way of life, so support and options must also be in place to support them, and the Action Plan focused on prevention, intervention, and recovery.

In conclusion, Councillor Inglis welcomed the Strategy, as an essential document in keeping the strong partnership together and helping to raise awareness of the challenges faced by the homeless, rough sleepers and Councils.