The Community Safety Operations Managergave a presentation which informed Members about homelessness in the Borough and introduced the report which provided Members with an overview of homeless services in the Wirral; statistical data; and an update in regard to the implementation of the Homelessness Reduction Act (HRA) from April 2018. The HRA placed new and significant responsibilities on local authorities to prevent and relieve homelessness and changed how services were delivered to households who approached the Council for assistance each year. The new Act changed the categories for reporting which made comparisons with previous periods difficult.

It was explained that homelessness could cover a number of different circumstances but the Council’s focus was largely to offer advice and support to people at risk of becoming homeless.

Key changes included:

·  the length of time to work with people at risk of becoming homeless increased from 28 to 56 days

·  increased emphasis on interim accommodation and meeting a wider range of clients with advice

·  personalised housing plan to help people resolve their own situations

·  a new duty to refer for bodies such as housing teams and social services although it was noticed that only around 12% of referrals actually needed help.

There had been a 70% increase in cases since the changes (to about 3,500), largely because of the broader definition. This had increased caseloads for workers although it had been noted that the volumes were now decreasing. There had been an increase in the requirement for interim accommodation and Wirral Council preferred temporary accommodation rather than bed and breakfast.

Rough sleeping had increased at the annual count, with a 165% increase. The council provided a range of responses including the housing options 24-hour service and outreach.

The next steps included a review by end of 2019 and employing a Homeless Champion to work with other bodies and internally, raising the profile of the services.

Members questioned the statistics presented, such as whether they could be split by gender and the definitions for rough sleepers and HM forces. Thanks were given to the staff who provided the services.

RESOLVED:

That:

1)   the statistics and content of this report as it relates to homelessness in Wirral be noted;

2)   the services offered by the council to prevent and respond to homelessness be noted;

3)   the additional work planned to effectively prevent and respond to homelessness in the future be noted; and

4)   a further report be brought back after next annual rough sleeping count.