Green member motion

Original text

This Council notes that it provides significant support, directly and indirectly, to the homeless¹ and has an extensive policy framework but has no underlying, summary statement of those rights that it aims to protect and defend. Council therefore agrees to adopt the following Homelessness Charter:

1.     Homelessness prevention
Each person has the right to access the help and support they need, including access to financial, mental or physical health services, to avoid homelessness.

2.     The Right to Housing
Services supporting access to appropriate housing must be accessible to all homeless people.

3.     The Right to Shelter
Where housing cannot be immediately provided, there must be access to decent emergency accommodation for anyone finding themselves without shelter.

4.     The Right to Use Public Space
People who find themselves without a home will have the same right as others to use public space e.g. pavements, parks, public transport and public buildings.

5.     The Right to Equal Treatment
All staff and services uphold the right to equal treatment for all including those who find themselves homeless.

6.     The Right to a Postal Address
The Council shall ensure that homeless people who need one have an accessible postal address.

7.     The Right to Sanitary Facilities
The Council commits to providing access for all homeless people to basic sanitary facilities sufficient to maintain human dignity.

8.     The Right to Emergency Services
The right to emergency services (where the Council has influence) e.g. social services, health services, the police and the fire service without fear of discrimination

9.     The Right to Vote
The right to vote, to be included on the electoral register and to be given the necessary documents to prove their identity.

10. The Right to Data Protection
Data will only be shared by public and other services with their consent and for the purposes of providing services.

11. The Right to Privacy
The right to privacy must be respected and protected to the fullest extent possible.

12. The Right to Survive
The right to carry out practices necessary for survival within the law. While the Council strives for a City in which such practices are not necessary, we recognise that where people have no other option they will seek support from other people or forage for discarded food to survive.

13. The Right to Respect for Personal Property
People who are homeless should have their belongings respected by everyone. They should never be damaged or thrown away or be removed without compelling need, and if they are removed they should be made available for collection without charge.

14. The Right to Life
The Council’s priority is to preserve life. If a person who is homeless dies, there should be an investigation in order to understand the causes and the implications for any changes in policy or practice.

[1] Note: The term ‘homeless’ is taken here to include rough sleepers as well as individuals and families who have a roof over their head but no security of tenure.

This motion was not taken as the time allowed for debate had finished.