Decision

1. 1

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Neighbourhood Services which provided an overview of the Government’s National Strategy: A Plan to End Homelessness, the expectations for local authorities, and the proposed review of the Sheffield Action Plan to align with the National Strategy. The report sought approval for the proposed external spending plan, which explained how the Homelessness, Rough Sleeping and Domestic Abuse Grant (HRSDAG) would be allocated to deliver local priorities.

1. 2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Housing Policy Committee:-

(a)  notes the requirements for local authorities as set out in the Government’s National Strategy: A Plan to End Homelessness, and the proposed approach to develop a long-term Rough Sleeping Partnership Action Plan;

(b)  authorises the Council to act as the Accountable Body for the Homelessness Rough Sleeping and Domestic Abuse Grant (HRSDAG) for the total allocation of £24,816,793;

(c)  approves the new investment and extensions set out in the external spending plan (as detailed at Sections 2.3.5 to 2.3.8 of the report), to a total value of £2,885,257, comprising:

                        i.         short-term extensions and new initiatives to test approaches and maintain provision pending evaluation (as detailed in items 1-3 of the table at Section 2.3.8 of the report), totalling £152,280; and

                       ii.         longer-term investment in supported housing commissioning proposals (as detailed in items 4-6 of the table at Section 2.3.8 of the report), totalling £2,732,977; and

(d)  approves the external distribution of £164,136 from a one-off Grant awarded to the Council in 2025 to support children in temporary accommodation, which has been approved as committed ringfenced spend for 2026 and meets the conditions of the Grant.

1. 3

Reasons for Decision

1. 3.1

While considerable progress has been made to date, homelessness remains a persistent challenge in Sheffield in the context of a national increase and the cost-of-living crisis. This places increased demand on Temporary Accommodation 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 undertaking a review of the action plan and progressing with distribution of the grant.

1. 4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

1. 4.1

Alternative Option 1: Not making amendments to the current Action Plan

If the approach to reviewing the Action Plan is not approved, it would affect the Council’s ability to meet the requirements set out in the National Strategy, alongside the Council statutory duties and responsibilities, and limit delivery of effective actions to relieve and prevent homelessness.

1. 4.2

Alternative Option 2: Not approving recommendations to externally distribute Grant Income.

If the proposed external spending plan is not approved, the Council may be unable to deliver the actions and priorities needed to prevent and relieve homelessness, which could affect its ability to meet statutory duties and retain accommodation. Although Local Authorities have flexibility in how the Grant is used, it is ringfenced for initiatives that prevent homelessness and address rough sleeping. If the funding is not used in line with the grant conditions, it may be clawed back, creating additional financial pressure for the Council and damaging its reputation with MHCLG and partners.