Decision Maker: Housing Policy Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: October 23, 2025

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.