Decision Maker: Housing Policy Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: March 20, 2025

Purpose: New Temporary Accommodation Strategy outlining needs in the city current provision and new options to fulfil our requirement for temporary accommodation to meet statutory homelessness duties.

Content: 10.1 The committee considered a report of the Executive Director Neighbourhood Services seeking approval from the Housing Policy Committee to consult with residents and partners on the draft 5-year Temporary Accommodation Strategy and Policy.     10.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Housing Policy Committee:-   a)    Endorse the draft Temporary Accommodation Strategy, as set out in Appendix 1, for consultation purposes and approve the launch of public consultation. b)    Endorse the draft Temporary Accommodation Policy, as set out in Appendix 2 for consultation purposes and approve the launch of public consultation. c)    Agree that the outcome of the consultation on the draft Temporary Accommodation Strategy and Policy will be presented back to Housing Policy Committee in summer 2025. d)    Agree that a final draft of both the Temporary Accommodation Strategy and Policy will be presented back to the Housing Policy Committee in summer 2025 for consideration and approval.     10.3 Reasons for Decision 10.3.1 Sheffield faces rising demand for affordable housing, increasing reliance on Temporary Accommodation as a safety net. The draft Temporary Accommodation Strategy outlines how the Council will meet its legal duty while reducing costly, unsuitable options like B&Bs. It focuses on prevention, better property management, and expanding housing options, including rapid rehousing and alternative solutions. The strategy aligns with the Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy and responds to an independent housing review.     10.3.2 The draft Temporary Accommodation Policy sets out a fair and consistent approach to allocating and managing temporary housing. It details how the Council procures and places households in suitable accommodation, including out-of-area placements when needed.     10.3.3 Approval to launch consultation on the draft Strategy and Policy will enable meaningful engagement with residents, partners, and community groups across the city, ensuring a timely and effective development of the final Strategy and Policy.     10.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     10.4.1 Alternative Option 1:   The main alternative to adopting a Temporary Accommodation Strategy and Policy would be to take no action. This option has been discounted. The rapid increase in households placed in Temporary Accommodation has outpaced current provisions which has resulted in unsustainable financial pressure for the Council and poor outcomes for households that need it. More pressing is the rapid increase in the number of families living in B&Bs and prolonged stays in B&Bs which breach statutory guidance.     10.4.2 A well-structured strategy will set out a realistic approach which directs effort on the actions that are within our control. It also prioritises measures to ensure compliance with legal obligations, and address the unsustainable financial costs associated with temporary placements to both the Council and individuals.     10.4.3 The accompanying policy is necessary to outline a clear, transparent process for allocating Temporary Accommodation, providing a consistent basis for decision-making that can withstand future challenges. The out-of-area section of the policy is particularly critical to mitigate potential legal disputes, ensuring that our practices align with best practices and legal standards.     10.4.4 Alternative Option 2:   The Council could choose to proceed only with the Strategy. This would provide a vision and ambitions for the next five years. It would include initiatives to decrease the use of B&B’s. It would not however give the clear and transparent detail of how Temporary Accommodation will be allocated and managed. It also does not outline our policy for Out of Area placements which is required by case law. We have therefore discounted this option.