Decision

1. 1

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Neighbourhood Services that sought approval to extend two supported housing services for 12 months and to commission a range of new services for single adults who are at risk of or are experiencing homelessness. The new contracts would run for between six and eight years and the total value of the contracts is £11,225,785. Together, the extensions and new services would support a transition to a new delivery model of supported housing without creating gaps in provision. The new services would help the Council meet its statutory homelessness duties by providing a suitable alternative to temporary accommodation, supporting people to build independent living skills, and helping prevent rough sleeping.

1. 2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Housing Policy Committee:-

(a)  approves the extension of the two existing men’s hostel contracts for 12 months (1 November 2026 to 31 October 2027) with a total contract value of £752,000, to allow a planned transition to a new model of provision;

(b)  approves the commissioning of the following new supported housing services each for a period of 8 years:

                        i.         a male-specific service (minimum 70 units), combining scheme-based and dispersed provision, providing an average of 3.5 hours support per week, commencing 1 November 2027, with a total contract value of £3,779,240;

                       ii.         a dispersed service for single people (minimum 17 units), providing an average of 3 hours support per week, commencing 1 October 2027, with a total contract value of £799,300;

                      iii.         a female-specific dispersed service (minimum 14 units), providing an average of 6 hours support per week for women, commencing 1 January 2027, with a total contract value of £1,111,542; and

                     iv.         a dispersed service for single people (minimum 45 units), providing an average of 8 hours support per week, commencing 1 June 2027, with a total contract value of £3,952,643; and

(c)  approves the commissioning of a new supported housing service to replace the Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme (RSAP) for a period of 6 years. This would consist of dispersed supported housing for people experiencing rough sleeping (minimum 30 units), commencing 1 October 2026, with a total contract value of £831,060.

1. 3

Reasons for Decision

1. 3.1

The proposed commissioning approach is recommended as it delivers a structured transition from existing provision to a more effective, prevention focused supported housing system for single people, aligned with National and Local Strategy. It responds to evidence from the Housing Related Support review and stakeholder engagement by reducing reliance on large hostels, increasing dispersed and specialist provision, and improving equity of access particularly for women. The proposals maintain service continuity while enabling service transformation, ensure better targeting of support to those most likely to benefit, and strengthen outcomes such as sustainable move-on and reduced homelessness. Alternative options, including ending or maintaining existing services unchanged, would either increase homelessness and system pressures or fail to address identified gaps and inequalities.

1. 4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

1. 4.1

Keep things as they are – This would not address the recommendations of the Housing Related Support Review, reflect best practice or be an equitable way to address the overall needs of single people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

1. 4.2

Reducing the budget has been ruled out, as this would have a negative impact on single people and increase homelessness and/or rough sleeping. Any immediate budget savings are likely to lead to financial pressures elsewhere by increasing the use of bed and breakfast accommodation. Ending services goes against our agreed strategy to stop the use of bed and breakfast accommodation and reduce the numbers of people in temporary accommodation.

1. 4.3

Bringing the service in-house has been ruled out because individuals need a diverse range of provision. The Council does not have enough suitable housing stock, and partner organisations offer specialist expertise that supports better outcomes.