The Cabinet of Southwark Council met on Wednesday 17 January 2024 to discuss several key issues, including revisions to the temporary accommodation placement policy and the Housing Revenue Account rent and charges report. A decision was made to approve revisions to the temporary accommodation placement policy.

Placement Policy for Temporary Accommodation and Private Rented Sector Offers

The Cabinet approved revisions to the existing temporary accommodation placement policy, which aims to ensure a more efficient and fair approach to homelessness prevention and securing the best outcomes for vulnerable residents. The revised policy combines the Temporary Accommodation Placement Policy and the Private Rented Sector Offer Policy, moving to a single offer system rather than two. This change is intended to focus efforts on meeting suitability criteria and reducing the time residents spend in expensive nightly paid accommodation. The policy also introduces a more thorough customer-first approach, with suitability assessments to be carried out before accommodation is offered. Due to the shortage of affordable housing in Southwark and surrounding areas, the policy acknowledges an increasing need to place households further afield, with a clear zoning system (Zone A: Southwark and adjacent locality; Zone B: Greater London and adjoining Counties; Zone C: Outside of London) to prioritise placements based on specific needs, such as health, education, employment, and care responsibilities. An annual review of the policy, taking into account service user feedback, was also agreed.

Housing Revenue Account - Final Rent and Charges Report 2024-25

The Cabinet agreed to a 7.7% increase for all rents within the council's Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for the financial year 2024-25. This increase aligns with the government's guideline rent formula of CPI+1%, based on the September Consumer Price Index. The decision also included agreeing to increases in tenant service charges for estate cleaning, grounds maintenance, communal lighting, and door entry maintenance, as well as increases in sheltered housing service charges and charges for garages and other non-residential facilities. A review of the garage charging policy, including the concessionary scheme, will be undertaken, with proposals to be brought forward following consultation with residents. The Cabinet also noted that tenant heating charges, including metered charges, will increase from April 1, 2024.

Policy and Resources Strategy: Capital Monitoring Report 2023-24

The Cabinet approved virements and variations to the general fund and housing investment capital programme, as well as new capital bids detailed in Appendices D and E. They noted the significant funding requirement of £263m for the general fund programme over its remaining term and the £1.7bn housing investment programme. Mitigating actions to ensure the affordability of the housing investment programme and the sustainability of the Housing Revenue Account were also noted.

Policy and Resources Strategy: Revenue Monitoring Report, 2023-24

The Cabinet noted the forecast revenue outturn position for the General Fund, which shows an adverse variance of £3.4m. Continuing budget pressures were highlighted in temporary accommodation, 'No Recourse to Public Funds' (NRPF), and home to school transport. Progress on plans to contain general fund projected overspends was noted, as was the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) in-year pressure of £0.4m. The Housing Revenue Account forecast of £16.8m, an adverse movement of £2.9m since month 4, was also noted, along with the mitigations in place. The ongoing inclement macro-economic environment, with inflation at 3.9% and interest rates at 5.25%, was also acknowledged. The Cabinet approved interdepartmental budget movements exceeding £250k and the proposed approach to reduce the HRA revenue contribution to capital to preserve reserves and fund shortfalls through borrowing.

Motions Referred from Council Assembly

The Cabinet considered several motions referred from Council Assembly. These included:

• Giving our children and young people the best start in life: This motion highlighted the council's commitment to education, free school meals, mental health support, youth justice, and healthy lives, while also acknowledging the impact of austerity and the need for early intervention. The council resolved to prioritise closing the gap in life chances, increasing identification of SEND, ensuring school readiness, and working with partners to transform the supporting families system.
• Protecting Southwark Parks from Anti-Social Behaviour: The motion noted the value residents place on parks and the work of park teams and volunteers. It resolved to continue working with police and residents to address anti-social behaviour, develop plans for Nursery Row Park, invest in park facilities, tackle the ecological emergency, and create more green spaces.
• Homelessness & Rough Sleeping: The motion highlighted the impact of government cuts on homelessness services, the increase in rough sleeping and temporary accommodation, and the inadequacy of Local Housing Allowance rates. It resolved to write to government ministers requesting urgent action on these issues, including an increase in LHA, additional funding, and a review of Home Office policies. The council also resolved to develop a new Homelessness Strategy and explore all levers to build social rent homes.
• Ending Violence Against Women and Girls: The motion acknowledged the prevalence of sexual violence, harassment, and domestic abuse, citing statistics and the Casey review. It noted the council's existing strategy, the 'Through Her Eyes' campaign, and the 'Safe Havens' network. The motion resolved to encourage male councillors to take the White Ribbon pledge, call out sexual objectification, champion the wellbeing of women and girls, adopt a zero-tolerance approach to misogyny, complete the rollout of upgraded street lighting, and re-launch the Women's Safety Charter.
• Towards a greater provision of public toilets: The motion noted the council's commitment to improving access to public toilets, managing 33 public toilets, and providing Changing Places Toilets. It further noted plans to install free vending machines for sanitary products in council buildings. The council resolved to open new Changing Places Toilets, provide additional facilities to support pedestrian journeys, explore ways to reinvigorate the Community Toilet Scheme, and continue the rollout of sanitary product vending machines.
• Southwark Stands with the Trans Community: The motion noted Southwark's diverse LGBTQ+ community and the council's work with the community, including the opening of an LGBTQ+ centre. It expressed concern about the increase in hate crimes against trans people and the stoking of culture wars. The motion resolved to stand united with trans, non-binary, and gender diverse people, call on national government to ban conversion therapy and reform the gender recognition law, and asked the Cabinet to prioritise the delivery of a permanent LGBTQ+ cultural space, develop an action plan to address inequalities, update the Equalities Framework, ensure access to services, create gender-neutral bathrooms, and take a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime.

Creation of a New Senior Management Post: Director, Communications, Engagement and Change

The Cabinet approved the creation of a new senior management post: Director, Communications, Engagement and Change. This role is intended to support the council's delivery of the Southwark 2030 strategy, spearheading communications, engagement, and service design.

Corporate Parenting Annual Report 2022-23

The Cabinet noted the Corporate Parenting Annual Report 2022-23, which details progress on the corporate parenting strategy, areas of focus for 2024-25, and the work of the Corporate Parenting Committee. It was also noted that a child-friendly, easy-read version of the report would be made publicly available.

Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge - Report and Action Plan

The Cabinet noted the Local Government Association's Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) report and endorsed the action plan responding to its eleven recommendations. The CPC found Southwark to be a good council with energy for change, highlighting strengths in social care, house building, the local economy, and community safety. However, it also identified challenges in housing repairs, the cost of living crisis, and the need to modernise systems and support staff. The action plan focuses on strategic direction, service improvements, and strengthening the council's organisational capacity.

Placement Policy for Temporary Accommodation and Private Rented Sector Offers

The Cabinet approved the Placement Policy for Temporary Accommodation (TA) and Private Rented Sector Offers (PRSO). This policy aims to streamline the process of offering suitable accommodation to homeless households, moving to a single offer system and placing greater emphasis on suitability assessments. It acknowledges the increasing need to place households outside of Southwark due to housing shortages and outlines a zoning system to prioritise placements based on specific needs. An annual review of the policy, incorporating service user feedback, was also agreed.

Housing Revenue Account - Final Rent and Charges Report 2024-25

The Cabinet agreed to a 7.7% increase in rents for council housing stock and shared ownership properties, in line with government guidelines. Increases were also agreed for tenant service charges, sheltered housing service charges, and charges for garages and other non-residential facilities. A review of the garage charging policy, including the concessionary scheme, will be undertaken following resident consultation. The Cabinet also agreed to increases in tenant heating charges.

Policy and Resources Strategy: Capital Monitoring Report 2023-24

The Cabinet approved virements and variations to the general fund and housing investment capital programme, along with new capital bids. They noted the significant funding requirement of £263m for the general fund programme and the £1.7bn housing investment programme. Mitigating actions to ensure the affordability of the housing investment programme and the sustainability of the Housing Revenue Account were also noted.

Policy and Resources Strategy: Revenue Monitoring Report, 2023-24

The Cabinet noted the forecast revenue outturn position for the General Fund, showing an adverse variance of £3.4m, and highlighted continuing budget pressures in temporary accommodation, 'No Recourse to Public Funds' (NRPF), and home to school transport. Progress on plans to contain general fund overspends was noted, as was the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) in-year pressure of £0.4m. The Housing Revenue Account forecast of £16.8m, an adverse movement of £2.9m, was also noted, along with the mitigations in place. The challenging macro-economic environment was acknowledged. The Cabinet approved interdepartmental budget movements exceeding £250k and the proposed approach to reduce the HRA revenue contribution to capital.

Motions Referred from Council Assembly

The Cabinet considered six motions referred from Council Assembly:

• Giving our children and young people the best start in life: The council resolved to prioritise closing the gap in life chances, increasing identification of SEND, ensuring school readiness, and working with partners to transform the supporting families system.
• Protecting Southwark Parks from Anti-Social Behaviour: The council resolved to continue working with police and residents to address anti-social behaviour, develop plans for Nursery Row Park, invest in park facilities, tackle the ecological emergency, and create more green spaces.
• Homelessness & Rough Sleeping: The council resolved to write to government ministers requesting urgent action on homelessness, including an increase in Local Housing Allowance and additional funding. They also committed to developing a new Homelessness Strategy and exploring ways to build social rent homes.
• Ending Violence Against Women and Girls: The council resolved to encourage male councillors to take the White Ribbon pledge, call out sexual objectification, champion the wellbeing of women and girls, adopt a zero-tolerance approach to misogyny, complete the rollout of upgraded street lighting, and re-launch the Women's Safety Charter.
• Towards a greater provision of public toilets: The council resolved to open new Changing Places Toilets, provide additional facilities to support pedestrian journeys, explore ways to reinvigorate the Community Toilet Scheme, and continue the rollout of sanitary product vending machines.
• Southwark stands with the Trans Community: The council resolved to stand united with trans, non-binary, and gender diverse people, call on national government to ban conversion therapy and reform the gender recognition law, and asked the Cabinet to prioritise the delivery of a permanent LGBTQ+ cultural space, develop an action plan to address inequalities, update the Equalities Framework, ensure access to services, create gender-neutral bathrooms, and take a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime.

Creation of a New Senior Management Post: Director, Communications, Engagement and Change

The Cabinet approved the creation of a new senior management post, Director, Communications, Engagement and Change, to support the council's strategic objectives.

Corporate Parenting Annual Report 2022-23

The Cabinet noted the Corporate Parenting Annual Report 2022-23, which outlines the progress of the corporate parenting strategy and the work of the Corporate Parenting Committee.

Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge - Report and Action Plan

The Cabinet noted the Local Government Association's Corporate Peer Challenge report and endorsed the action plan developed in response to its recommendations. The report identified Southwark as a good council with strengths in social care, house building, and community safety, while also highlighting areas for improvement in housing repairs, cost of living support, and system modernisation.

Placement Policy for Temporary Accommodation and Private Rented Sector Offers

The Cabinet approved the revised Placement Policy for Temporary Accommodation (TA) and Private Rented Sector Offers (PRSO). This policy streamlines the process by moving to a single offer system and prioritising suitability assessments, acknowledging the need to place households outside of the borough due to housing shortages.

Housing Revenue Account - Final Rent and Charges Report 2024-25

The Cabinet agreed to a 7.7% increase in rents for council housing stock and shared ownership properties, in line with government guidelines. Increases were also approved for tenant service charges, sheltered housing service charges, and charges for garages and other non-residential facilities. A review of the garage charging policy and consultation with residents will take place. Tenant heating charges will also increase.

Policy and Resources Strategy: Capital Monitoring Report 2023-24

The Cabinet approved virements and variations to the general fund and housing investment capital programme, along with new capital bids. They noted the significant funding requirements for both programmes and the mitigating actions being taken to ensure financial sustainability.

Policy and Resources Strategy: Revenue Monitoring Report, 2023-24

The Cabinet noted the forecast revenue outturn position for the General Fund, showing an adverse variance of £3.4m, and highlighted continuing budget pressures in temporary accommodation, 'No Recourse to Public Funds' (NRPF), and home to school transport. They also noted the Housing Revenue Account forecast of £16.8m adverse variance and the mitigations in place. The challenging macro-economic environment was acknowledged. The Cabinet approved interdepartmental budget movements and the proposed approach to reduce the HRA revenue contribution to capital.