The Executive Director (Communities and People) has submitted a report to approve the allocation of Preventing Homelessness Grant for 2023/24.

Cabinet is recommended to:

1.        Approve the allocation of Preventing Homelessness funds to commission homelessness services in 2023/24 as outlined in paragraphs 18 to 20 and in Appendix 2 of the report;

2.        Approve the requested carry forward of the underspend in the 22/23 budget of £41,164; and

3.        Delegate to the Executive Director (Communities and People), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing, the discretion to revise the intended programme within the overall budget if required.

The Executive Director (Communities and People) had submitted a report to approve the allocation of Preventing Homelessness Funds to commission homelessness services in 2023-24.

Councillor Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing, presented the annual report, which set out how £1.67m was to be spent in order to prevent homelessness.  Since April last year most services were now being provided at a county-wide level, in partnership with the District Councils and the Integrated Care Service, in order to provide a more cost effective and joined up service.  Most of the funds outlined in the report therefore comprised the Council’s contribution towards this county-wide alliance, which provided 236 beds across Oxfordshire.  A further 105 beds were still being commissioned directly by the City Council for use by city residents, meaning that a total of 341 beds in supported accommodation were available to Oxford residents.

Councillor Smith highlighted that funding for a number of key organisations was being maintained at the same level as last year.  Access to leisure services for those in supported accommodation was also included, which demonstrated different parts of the Council working together to achieve the Council’s priorities.

Councillor Smith also highlighted the lack of Lead Member involvement in the countywide alliance, and it was agreed that ways in which this could be addressed should be investigated.

Cabinet resolved to:

1.        Approve the allocation of Preventing Homelessness funds to commission homelessness services in 2023/24 as outlined in paragraphs 18 to 20 and in Appendix 2 of the report;

2.        Approve the requested carry forward of the underspend in the 22/23 budget of £41,164; and

3.        Delegate to the Executive Director (Communities and People), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing, the discretion to revise the intended programme within the overall budget if required.