To receive the report
Minutes:
Background:
· The report provided an update to the Committee of the delivery of the Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan.
· It was explained that a five-year plan was in place.
· And the key focus was to prevent homelessness where possible, where it cannot be prevented it was vital to minimise the time spent in temporary accommodation until the right home could be provided.
· Initial priorities of the plan included instant access triage centres, two interim supported accommodation schemes and the provision of modular temporary accommodation.
Points raised by the Committee:
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Responses received from Officers or Cabinet Members: |
It was asked if more detail could be provided around the modular housing units and if planning permission was required.
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The temporary accommodation units would be self-contained flats connected to all utilities and would require planning permission, all opportunities for potential sites were being explored. The units were planned to be used for ‘meanwhile use’ while assessments were being carried out. It was stressed that all services and support mechanisms would need to be in place before hand.
The Portfolio Holder added that supporting people into accommodation could reduce costs in other areas and produce beneficial outcomes. |
It was suggested that a lot of rural areas could provide opportunities for off grid sites and to ensure that services had community involvement. It was asked that care and consideration was taken in the design phase to ensure a comforting look and feel. |
Off grid would be investigated and cost factors considered. |
How far had the project progressed and would Powys manufacturers be considered for the temporary accommodation units. |
It was explained that sites were key and once identified, the process of tendering for production could begin. |
It was asked if staff would be redeployed from other areas into the triage services. And noted that support could be gathered from other multi agencies and partners to help with costs.
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There would be some redeployment of staff and stressed that Bed and Breakfast and privately provided accommodation would be used less so the overall cost would go down. A safe environment would be provided, and professional expertise would be brought in if needed to enable the individual to tell their story just once. |
More detail was requested around what the triage centres would look like.
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The centres would be self-contained flats with their own front door and would have private facilities and if they were not required for homelessness could be used for permanent homes which would arise from new builds or conversions including commercial buildings. |
It was acknowledged that a Recognition and a Trauma Informed Working Ways strategy was in place and more detail was requested.
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A bundle of support was in place for staff and the need to decompress after challenging interactions was recognised for staff to give the best version of themselves. Regular reviews were undertaken to ensure the strategy was kept up to date. |
· The Committee showed appreciation for an ambitious paper with positive plans and the units would provide a positive resolution to an increasing problem.
· It was commented that with limited availability across the county challenges would arise however the project was long term and would provide tenants with secure accommodation with their own front door.
· It was asked if timescales could be added to the plan to provide reassurance that sites had been identified.
· And noted that it would be a worthwhile spend to save exercise to provide the council with ongoing vital assets.
Resolved: That the Powys Rapid Housing Transition Plan Update be noted.
Supporting documents: