The award will help to address the limited gender specific support for women in homelessness services in the city. This was a gap identified by the Crisis funded report from last year which looked at how homelessness in Oxfordshire should be addressed. The report can be accessed here: https://www.crisis.org.uk/ending-homelessness/homelessness-knowledge-hub/housing-models-and-access/oxfordshire-feasibility-study/

To award Connection Support £19,500 to provide support for 3 complex needs beds. This represents a net call on the Preventing Homelessness Grant of £11,834 due to an underspend on another Connections contract funded by the PHG.

At the time of drafting the Cabinet report, £135,798 was left unallocated due to the uncertainties around what provision might be required in respect of the progress of the pandemic.  Providing additional units of supported accommodation will support the transition from “Everyone In” accommodation. The report delegates authority to the Interim Director of Housing in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder to agree revisions to the programme within the overall budget.

Quotes could have been sought from other providers. This was rejected as it was necessary to move quickly to secure a property which had become available.

Paul Leo – Interim Director of Housing

In consultation with Stephen Clarke, Director of Housing and Cllr Diko Blackings – Cabinet Member for Affordable Housing, Housing Security and Housing the Homeless