Decision

1. 1

The Committee considered a report which provided an update on the Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy (2023–2028) and Action Plan during 2025/26 (Year 3). It sought approval of the revised 2026/27 (Year 4) Action Plan (Appendix 1). It summarised progress against the Strategy’s five priorities and reports on commitments made in the previous annual update.

1. 2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Housing Policy Committee:-

a)    Note progress since the October 2025 update in delivering the Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2023–2028 and Action Plan and approve the revised Year 4 Action Plan (Appendix 1).

b)    Note the changes to homelessness national policy and legislative landscape, including new requirements and the implications for local authority delivery and statutory responsibilities.

c)    Approve the Council becoming the accountable body for the grant funding of £1,441,797 from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) for Year 1 delivery of the Rough Sleeping Programme as outlined in this report.

d)    Delegates authority to the Director of Housing Services to negotiate and finalise the terms of the Grant Agreement with SYMCA, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Commercial Services and General Counsel, subject to the terms not being materially different to those outlined in this report.

e)    The committee would like to record their thanks for all work put in by officers in respect of the homeless prevention strategy.

1. 3

Reasons for Decision

1. 3.1

The revised Action Plan provided an updated framework for delivering the Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2023–2028, reflecting progress made during Year 3, changes in national policy and legislation, emerging local priorities and partnership feedback. Approval of the refreshed Year 4 Action Plan would ensure the Council and its partners continue to focus priorities on preventing homelessness, reducing rough sleeping, improving housing options and responding to new statutory and policy requirements. Acceptance of the SYMCA Year 1 funding allocation, subject to satisfactory completion of the Grant Funding Agreement, would enable Sheffield to contribute to the Government’s ambition of offering as many people sleeping rough as possible a route off the streets ahead of Winter 2026.

1. 4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

1. 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 emerging challenges.

1. 4.2

Alternative Option 2: Not approving recommendations to receive 1.4m revenue allocation from SYMCA.

If the Council does not approve acceptance of the £1,441,797 Year 1 allocation through the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) Rough Sleeping Programme, Sheffield would be unable to access funding intended to provide a route off the streets ahead of Winter 2026. This would limit the Council's ability to contribute to delivery of the programme.