Agenda item

To consider the Housing and Homelessness Annual Report, including details of key pieces of work being undertaken, Service Performance (including potential for the development of a “mystery shopping” exercise), details of funding and budget and an update on work of the Homelessness Support Group.

Ms Vikki Piper, Head of Housing presented the Housing and Homelessness Annual Report to Committee and updated Members on the completion of the Supported Housing Scrutiny Review and draft standards for supported housing. She advised Members that the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol had been triggered due to the recent bad weather and would remain in place until the end of March 2022. It was also reported that the Council had recently won the Council of the Year Award at the UK Housing Awards.

Members queried the potential costs to the Council of the Foxhall Village site. In response, Ms Piper reported that it was too early in the process to determine potential cost and that work was ongoing in conjunction with Great Places in order to make the site safe and secure and to identify the course of action to take. She added that open areas in the development would be retained and that there was no intention to provide more properties on the site.

In relation to rough sleepers, the Committee noted the number from outside of Blackpool and requested additional information regarding the demographic of those identified as rough sleepers and the action the Council took when identifying a new rough sleeper. In response, Ms Piper advised that the number of rough sleepers in Blackpool was seasonal and that some from outside of the area came to Blackpool during the tourist season with the expectation of finding a job. She added that the number of people concerned was very low and that the Council did try to encourage them to return to their home town if appropriate. It was noted that the latest Council count had identified 15 rough sleepers, however, the number was awaiting independent verification by Homeless Link. The count took place in the middle of the night to ensure an accurate total and a further breakdown of the demographics of those identified could be provided in writing following the meeting.

Members noted the work carried out by My Blackpool Home and queried whether any data could be provided to demonstrate the impact of the Company on anti-social behaviour and the wider positive impact on residents. In response, Ms Piper reported that anecdotally there was evidence that the Company was having a positive impact, however, the scale of the Company was not yet large enough to provide evidence of an impact on neighbourhoods. She added that My Blackpool Home would be contacted to request whether any data could be provided that demonstrated a social impact at this stage.

In reference to the recommendations made from the Housing and Homelessness Scrutiny Review, it was queried what progress had been made in refreshing the ‘Alternative Giving’ programme. Ms Piper responded to advise that a new board had been established to review the programme with the Lived Experience Team represented in order to provide additional perspective. She added that the refreshed programme would be launched in the near future and agreed to take back the suggestion to incorporate demonstrating how the money had been spent and the value added by the programme to the marketing approach.

The Committee went on to consider private housing standards and it was noted that regulation around private housing was very limited. Ms Piper added that the Council continued to press the Government for improved standards and regulation and provided the example of the supported housing pilot scheme as an outcome of this pressure.

It was noted that Lumen Housing was a registered provider and a subsidiary company of Blackpool Housing Company Limited. Ms Piper advised as a registered provider it must operate independently to the Council. Members requested further information regarding the purpose and role of Lumen be provided.

The Committee and the Leader of the Council noted their congratulations to the Housing Team on their award of Council of the Year and commended the progress made on housing and homelessness in Blackpool in recent years.

The Committee agreed:

To receive a further breakdown of the demographics of those identified as rough sleepers in writing following the meeting.

To receive any data available on the social impact of My Blackpool Home (Blackpool Housing Company Limited).

That it be considered that the marketing approach for ‘Alternative Giving’ incorporate demonstrating how the money had been spent and the value added by the programme.

To receive further information regarding the purpose and role of Lumen Housing Limited.