Councillor Sarah Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing Services, Private Renters and Planning, met on Thursday, 9 May 2024, to discuss an Ombudsman decision regarding temporary accommodation and the continued use of hotels to house homeless individuals. Decisions were made to amend the Temporary Accommodation Placement Policy and to approve the extension of contracts for hotel accommodation.

Ombudsman Decision and Temporary Accommodation Policy

The meeting reviewed a decision by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman concerning the suitability of temporary accommodation provided to a homeless family, Mr B and his family, which included two autistic children. The Ombudsman found that the Council had failed in its duty under the Equality Act 2010 by placing the family in unsuitable bed and breakfast accommodation for an extended period, leading to significant instability and distress, particularly for the children.

In response to the Ombudsman's findings, Councillor Williams approved an amendment to the Council's Temporary Accommodation Placement Policy. This amendment will incorporate specific guidance on the use of hotels and bed and breakfasts, reinforcing the Council's commitment to adhering to the Homelessness Code of Guidance and the Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation) (England) Order 2003. The policy update aims to ensure that the Council properly considers the Equality Act duties when determining the suitability of temporary accommodation for homeless families in the future. The previous policy did not explicitly include guidance on hotels and bed and breakfasts, and continuing with this practice was rejected as it did not reassure the public of the Council's commitment to relevant guidance.

Continued Use of Hotel Accommodation

Councillor Williams also addressed the ongoing reliance on hotel accommodation to meet the Council's statutory homelessness responsibilities. Due to a persistent shortage of alternative accommodation, the Council has been forced to extend the use of hotels beyond the initially planned date of 31 December 2023. This has resulted in an additional overspend of £1.6 million on the Housing Demand Budget for the 2023/24 financial year, with £1,009,515 specifically attributed to hotel costs between January and March 2024.

The Council forecasts a further need for hotel accommodation, estimating costs of £1,511,990 for the period of April to July 2024. The development of a new hotelier framework to manage hotel bookings, initially projected for completion by 31 March 2024, has been delayed and is now expected in July 2024 due to resource constraints.

Councillor Williams resolved to note the continued pressures and reliance on hotel accommodation, the overspend of £1.6 million in the 2023/24 budget, and the ongoing risk to the 2024/25 budget. She also agreed to the extension of current contracts for hotel accommodation, including additional spend, due to the continued use of hotels and the delay in the Hotel Framework's delivery. This decision was made to ensure compliance with regulations, as the Council has a legal requirement to provide interim and temporary accommodation to homeless individuals and families. The alternative of not providing accommodation was deemed not feasible as it would be unlawful. While mitigating actions are planned to reduce hotel use, the Council currently requires this provision to meet its statutory duties.