Purpose

The report will present the Council’s Temporary Accommodation Reduction Plan, setting out a strategic response to the escalating pressures of homelessness, the rising costs and demand for temporary accommodation (TA) in the borough.

Cabinet will be asked to approve the Temporary Accommodation Strategy and Action Plan.

Decision

For the reasons set out in the report, the Executive Mayor and Cabinet AGREED:

1. 1 Approve the Temporary Accommodation Strategy 2026-2030 and accompanying Action Plan, as set out in Appendix 1.
2. 2 Note the findings of the Temporary Accommodation review, including the conclusion that reducing the demand for homelessness support, increasing move-on into settled housing and reducing reliance on high-cost nightly paid accommodation represent the most effective means of improving resident outcomes and strengthening financial sustainability.
3. 3 Note that successful implementation of the Strategy will contribute £10m of Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) savings in 2027-30 through demand reduction, portfolio optimisation and financial sustainability measures.
4. 4 Note that an invest to save proposal will come forward in the Draft Budget 2027-28 and MTFS 2027-31 to be presented to October Cabinet. This will entail allocation of funding for a homelessness team, financial incentives for providers and projects to support delivering the Temporary Accommodation Strategy. Individual projects will be assessed on a value for money basis before commencement.
5. 5 Agree that progress against the Temporary Accommodation Strategy and Action Plan is reported to Cabinet annually, or more frequently where required by the Cabinet Member for Homes.
6. 6 Note the risks associated with delivery of the plan as set out at paragraphs 12.4.1 – 12.4.7 of the report.