The People Overview and Scrutiny Subcommittee met to scrutinise the draft Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2029. The committee discussed the strategy, heard from Darren Alexander, Assistant Director of Housing Demand, and proposed several recommendations for its enhancement before it goes to Cabinet. The subcommittee also considered a draft Scrutiny Working Protocol to formalise the relationship between Cabinet and Scrutiny, and discussed potential items for the committee's work programme for the upcoming year.

Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2029

The subcommittee undertook pre-decision scrutiny of the draft Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2029. Darren Alexander presented the strategy, which aims to prevent homelessness, reduce rough sleeping, improve the experience of those in temporary accommodation, and provide compassionate customer care. Key objectives include ending the use of nightly paid and hotel accommodation by 2030, and supporting individuals affected by trauma, family breakdown, exploitation, and begging.

Members raised several points for consideration, including the practical preventative contributions expected from partner organisations such as the NHS and justice system, and how the proposed borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) might impact the council's approach to supporting vulnerable individuals. Questions were also raised about the strategy's cost, secured funding, expected savings from reduced temporary accommodation, and the key projects for increasing accommodation supply.

The discussion highlighted the significant increase in homelessness approaches over the last five years, with over 15,000 households seeking help. The strategy aims to address the collapse of the private rented sector by moving towards planned, controlled supply through acquisitions, modular accommodation, and build-to-rent nominations.

Several recommendations were proposed to strengthen the strategy before it goes to Cabinet. These included ensuring clear measures of success are included, developing an implementation plan with clear responsibilities and timelines, and bringing a progress report back to the committee within 12 months. Members also suggested a more explicit linkage to preventative factors to avoid entry into the homelessness pipeline, greater emphasis on educating the public about the causes and consequences of homelessness, and a clearer explanation of the collapse of the ordinary private renters market. A recommendation was also made to provide a simple finance and delivery plan to Cabinet before its approval.

Consideration of the Draft Scrutiny Working Protocol

The subcommittee considered the draft Scrutiny Working Protocol, which aims to establish a clear framework for the relationship between Cabinet and Scrutiny. The protocol outlines principles of mutual respect, timely information sharing, and constructive challenge. Members discussed the proposed five-day timeframe for requesting pre-decision scrutiny, with some suggesting it should be five working days to accommodate holidays and busy schedules. The role and status of co-opted members within the protocol were also raised, with a commitment to clarify their involvement. The subcommittee discussed the protocol and noted points for potential amendment.

Consideration of Recommendations to Achieve Effective Scrutiny for 2026/27

The subcommittee reviewed recommendations arising from the annual review of scrutiny work. Key discussions centred on the length of tenure for scrutiny roles, with a recommendation to consider if a one-year term is sufficient for effective scrutiny, requiring Cabinet approval. The importance of tracking recommendations and ensuring Cabinet provides formal, recorded responses was also emphasised. Members also discussed the practical involvement of residents in the scrutiny process and the need for clear success measures and implementation plans within scrutiny reviews.

Nominations to Outer North East London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

The subcommittee was asked to nominate three members to sit on the Outer North East London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (ONEL JHOSC). This committee scrutinises local NHS services and healthcare planning across Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Redbridge, and Waltham Forest. Councillor Petru Eugen Dinsorean, Councillor Tom Vickery, and Councillor Oscar Ford volunteered to represent the subcommittee on the JHOSC.

Agreeing Items for the People Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee's Work Programme for 2026/27

The subcommittee discussed potential items for its work programme for the upcoming year. Suggestions included:

• Support performance for young carers: Examining the effectiveness of agency support provided to young carers.
• Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans: Focusing on performance and action plans related to EHC plans.
• Social value: Investigating how social value is deployed to support people across the borough.
• Protective factors for homelessness prevention: Exploring areas such as financial inclusion, budgeting, mental health support, education outcomes, and employability, potentially involving organisations like the DWP and Thames Freeport.
• Completion of ongoing scrutiny work: Ensuring that previous scrutiny items, such as those related to SEND transport, health care plans, young carers, and domestic violence, are followed up and feedback is provided.
• CQC Care Quality Commission improvement plan: Scrutinising the council's CQC improvement plan.

The subcommittee agreed that these items would be added to the work programme and prioritised accordingly, with a revised draft work programme to be circulated to members for comment.