Purpose

To provide the Executive with relevant context and
background regarding Hampshire County Council’s decision to end their
contribution toward Homelessness Support Services (also known as Social
Inclusion Services); to set out the potential implications of this to
homelessness prevention and support in Fareham Borough; and to determine an
appropriate approach moving forward that addresses the Council’s Housing Act
responsibilities within financial constraints.

 

The costs of the proposal will principally apply from
2026/27.  These costs will be partly met
through a redirection of the Council’s current annual contribution toward
Hampshire County Council’s Social Inclusion contract with Two Saints.

 

The remaining costs will be met through grant reserves
currently held, the amounts of which are anticipated to facilitate additional
staffing resource within the Council’s Tenancy sustainment and Temporary
Accommodation service for the latter part of 2025/26 (allowing for transitional
support), and 2026/27 and 2027/28. This will (as with many statutory housing
services) be dependent on continuing similar grant levels provided by MHCLG.

 

Decision

RESOLVED that the Executive:

 

(a)  notes
the withdrawal of Hampshire County Council’s funding and the impact on services
currently provided, (principally) at 101 Gosport Road and Acton Lodge;

 

(b)  agrees
the principle of Fareham Borough Council increasing its existing staffing
resource within the Tenancy Sustainment and Temporary Accommodation service to
provide housing related support to assist those vulnerable customers impacted
(including similar new customer need arising), to sustain tenancies and
accommodation; and

 

(c)  delegates
matters associated with delivery of recommendation (b) to the Director of
Housing and Health as part of operational/staffing requirements.