Purpose

An update to the Committee on the progress
made to date in relation to Rough Sleeping and approval for the new
actions developed. Once approved, the actions will then be embedded
into the main action plan and will continue to be governed under
the established arrangements for the strategy.

Content

9.1

The Committee
considered a report of the Executive Director of Neighbourhood
Services which updated the Housing Policy Committee on progress
made in delivering the Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping
Strategy and introduced the revised Action Plan for
2025–2028.

 

 

9.2

RESOLVED
UNANIMOUSLY: That the Housing Policy Committee:-

(a) 
Notes the progress and delivery of the Homelessness Prevention
Action Plan, which supports the delivery of the Homelessness
Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy (2023–2028) and
approves the revised Action Plan;
and

(b) 
Approves external distribution, including commissioning of
provision from the additional in-year, one-off Rough Sleeping
Prevention and Recovery Grant (RSPARG) allocation (£841,736)
from MHCLG to the Voluntary, Community, Care and Faith
Sector.

 

 

 

 

9.3

Reasons for
Decision

 

 

9.3.1

While considerable progress has been made to
date, homelessness remains a persistent challenge in Sheffield with
sustained levels of presentations alongside emerging trends. This
places increased demand on Temporary Accomodation and subsequently increases financial
pressures to the Council. Furthermore, the individual impact of
homelessness can be substantial, often resulting in long term
consequences such as diminished opportunities and greater
inequalities. Efforts to prevent homelessness are showing positive
results through effective implementation of the Homeless Prevention
Strategy. It is essential to build upon these achievements by
implementing identified actions and distribution of grant by
focusing on priority areas to further develop strategies for
preventing homelessness and addressing emerging
trends.

 

 

 

 

9.4

Alternatives Considered and
Rejected

 

 

9.4.1

Alternative Option 1: Not making amendments to
the current action Plan
If amendments are not made to the current Action
Plan, ongoing and evolving homelessness challenges and pressures
may not be addressed in a timely manner. This could increase
financial pressures related to homelessness, affect the
Council’s ability to meet statutory duties and
responsibilities, and impact its reputation with MHCLG and partners
by not addressing feedback and responding to emerging
challenges.

 

 

9.4.2

Alternative Option 2: Not approving
recommendations to externally distribute Grant
Income.
If the grant allocation is not distributed
according to the MHCLG-approved VCFS proposal, the Council will not
receive £261,736 of the allocation. Additionally, if the
remaining funds are not distributed as described in Appendix 1,
this may prevent the Council and the broader partnership from
implementing the necessary actions in response to homelessness and
rough sleeping. The grant allocation is specifically ringfenced for
initiatives aimed at preventing homelessness and addressing rough
sleeping. If the funds are not used in line with the grant
conditions, there is a risk the grant could be clawed back, which
could lead to increased financial pressure on the Council and
impact reputation with MHCLG and
partners.