Minutes:
Documents Considered:
· Extract from the Portfolio Holder Update – statistics to 20th May, 2020.
Issues Discussed:
· Updated statistics provided for 1 June 2020:
Stat |
01/06/2020 |
Comments |
No. of live homeless cases |
286 |
|
No. of homeless households in TA (excluding B&B) |
97 |
|
No. of households in B&B |
18 |
|
Number of new properties identified to boost temporary accommodation provision |
63 |
54 are PCC properties, 1 Pobl, 1 Grwp Cynefin, 7 MWHA. |
Number of (known) people still rough sleeping |
5 |
|
Number of homelessness presentations during last two weeks |
22 |
(18/5/20 to 1/6/20) 19 for the same period last year |
Number of homeless presentations since 1st March 2020 |
180 |
127 for the same period last year |
Reasons for homelessness for presentations since 1st March |
Top reason is still non-violent breakdown of relationship with partner, closely followed by parents no longer able or willing to accommodate. Last year it was loss of rented accommodation - this is now in third place. Violent breakups remain higher than last year. Increase with regard to rent arrears in PRS compared with last year. |
|
Breakdown of age-bands for presentations since 1st March |
See Age Bands tab |
Top age band is 36-59 which is the same as last year and this age group has seen the biggest increase. More 16-17 yr olds this year |
· Questions:
Difference between Powys and Wales average is pronounces, over 80% of ours is single persons compared to 60% across Wales. Also this is not just finding a home for individuals but extra resources needed from social care, third sector etc. Is the Council getting enough support for these individuals and providing accommodation and support permanently which is the way forward. |
Single person households is the main issue for Powys at present. Powys currently has only around 100 general purpose single person flats. The temporary accommodation being used is larger than needed for individuals or couples, so alternatives will be needed following the end of lockdown which are not available in the social sector. Powys last year asked Welsh Government to be involved in a private sector leasing scheme pilot, but had been unsuccessful. Powys does rely on the private sector to house single persons. Welsh Government has made £20m available to all Welsh local authorities and Powys will be bidding for additional support and funding. One area identified as lacking is Assertive Outreach Support i.e. support which sticks with an individual wherever they go. Current support provision is also being reviewed with social care. |
What is the number of known rough sleepers? |
There are currently 5 rough sleepers in Powys. |
Is the aim to eliminate all rough sleepers in Powys and what is the timescale? |
Offers of accommodation have been made to the individuals but they are not taking these up. The Service is engaging with these individuals and they are aware of their obligations under the Covid-19 restrictions. |
Is this a seasonable effect? |
Possibly. |
Success of the homelessness cell is something to be celebrated, but because of that consideration was being given to standing this cell down, which has been deferred, but as there continues to be a problem is it appropriate to consider this. |
The Portfolio Holder had indicated that he wanted the Cell to continue not be stood down, but there was a need to look at frequency of meetings and engagement with other partners. The Council needs to make sure that it receives an appropriate share of the funding which is available. The focus of the cell now is to make temporary arrangements more permanent i.e. medium to long term basis. The Council is looking at the Private sector leasing scheme, acquiring more single person accommodation and converting some larger properties into flats. Due to the positive feedback from partner organisations, it is likely to continue in some form. |
Section 33 agreements for people who need support with drug misuse and Council and Sections 68 and 75 of the Homelessness Wales Act regarding the Council's responsibility to secure accommodation for those in priority need. Can you clarify the support provided not only substance misuse but also mental health support and ongoing well-being coaching and support. |
The Service is working with Adult Services Commissioning and assessing high, medium and low needs in terms of support for people in temporary accommodation. The profile of those in temporary accommodation indicate more people in the medium to high support category. Meetings being held with Adult Services Commissioning and the provider Pobl to review the support provided and identify any additional support required. |
Has any analysis been done to work out if there are any patterns in relation to homelessness cases and protected characteristics, and is there any analysis of the geographic distribution of homelessness cases i.e. is it more prevalent in some areas than others. |
Protected characteristics and age, age bands are being monitored closely. The main age band is 36 to 59 but there has been an increase in presentations from younger people. There is information on the other protected characteristics, but there are no particular anomalies or patterns in these statistics. Geographic distribution – prior to Covid-19 North Powys had a higher level of homelessness compared to South Powys. Since Covid-19 there has been an increase across the county and no particular increases in any specific areas. |
Outcomes:
Action |
Action By / Completion Date |
Homelessness Cell – further progress reports to the Committee |
WR / DE |
Supporting documents: