The Executive Director of Housing has submitted a report to seek project authorisation for a Housing First programme with the aim of supporting the Council's objective to end rough sleeping.

Recommendation: That Cabinet resolves to:

1.    Approve the procurement of a support service for the Council’s Housing First programme.

The Executive Director of Housing had submitted a report to seek project authorisation for a Housing First programme with the aim of supporting the Council's objective to end rough sleeping.

Cllr Diko Blackings, Cabinet Member for Affordable Housing, Housing Security and Housing the Homeless, introduced the report. The importance of the Housing First intervention could not be underestimated, coming on the back of the Council’s commendable record in the provision of emergency self-contained accommodation for rough sleepers and persons living in shared-space homelessness accommodation.

It was clear that addressing some of the fundamental problems often associated with homelessness such as mental health and drug addiction were much more effectively addressed given the security of a permanent home. The scheme would be a challenge but with the goodwill and support of Council partners across the County it had the potential to be transformative.

The Chair noted that this was something which the Council had been working towards for some time. The evidence base from elsewhere made it clear that this was the proper course to pursue. Partnership working would be essential  for its success.

Cabinet resolved to:

1.Approve the procurement of a support service for the Council’s Housing First programme.