The Council has a duty under the provisions of the Homelessness Act 2002 to undertake a review of homelessness and develop a Homelessness Strategy.  The current Strategy expires in 2013, and a revised Strategy has therefore to be prepared.  The report will present outcomes of the review of homelessness in Oxford and seek permission to consult on issues arising to be brought forward to the future Homelessness Strategy.

The Head of Housing submitted a report (previously circulated, now appended). Councillor Scott Seamons introduced the report to City Executive Board.

Resolved that the draft Homelessness Strategy Consultation Document 2013 to 2018 as attached at Appendix 1 of the report is approved for public consultation with the following amendment:-

• Potential priorities for action 2013-2018, item 2 – Greater understanding / improved knowledge. Add the following:

“Encourage people to preferentially support organisations who help in getting homeless people off the street, and deter them from giving money to beggars”