The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 8 April 2025 to discuss the Scrutiny Annual Report 2024-25 and the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy Report. The committee recommended the approval of the Scrutiny Annual Report subject to comments and agreed to provide a report on best practices to relevant members. The Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy Report was noted, with comments to be forwarded to the Cabinet.

Scrutiny Annual Report 2024-25

The committee received the Draft Scrutiny Annual Report 2024-25, which outlines the activities of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, its sub-committees, and Scrutiny Lead Members during the 2024-2025 Municipal Year. Members expressed concern that the report resembled the Council's Corporate Plan rather than a scrutiny document, lacking feedback on previously identified issues and areas for improvement. They were advised that feedback would be incorporated into future induction programmes and that Scrutiny Lead Members had provided their input. A further concern was raised regarding the late submission of some officer reports, hindering adequate scrutiny. To address these issues, the committee agreed to provide the Centre for Public Scrutiny Report (2017) to key members to learn best practices.

The committee resolved to recommend to the Council that it approve the Scrutiny Annual Report 2024-2025, subject to the comments made. Additionally, they resolved that the Centre for Public Scrutiny Report (2017) be provided to relevant members.

Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy Report

The committee reviewed the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy Report, which summarised the findings of a review of homelessness and rough sleeping in Harrow for the period 2025-2030. This strategy is a statutory requirement under the Homelessness Act 2002.

During the discussion, members raised several points:

• Concerns were expressed about the conversion rate of homelessness applications, with only 43% of applicants proceeding to a full application. Officers explained that this was due to interventions such as engaging with property owners and family support to help residents remain in their current accommodation.
• Regarding victims of domestic abuse, it was clarified that under the Domestic Abuse Act 2024, such individuals are rehoused as far as possible from their perpetrators.
• Questions were raised about the eviction of tenants in supported living arrangements, particularly concerning the consideration of their mental health. It was advised that coordination with the Adult Social Care Team is necessary to ensure alternative accommodation is found before eviction.
• Members requested that the strategy report include clear, actionable plans and matrices for homelessness prevention.
• The classification of international events, such as conflict and economic migration, as risk factors for homelessness was queried. It was acknowledged that these are significant risks and would be included in the final report.
• In response to demographic data on rough sleepers from particular ethnic groups, it was confirmed that communities and faith-based organisations have been engaged to address rough sleeping.
• The presence of refugees among rough sleepers was discussed, with an explanation that once asylum applications are approved, refugees are no longer entitled to government-funded accommodation and may face homelessness due to factors like lack of income and employment. Local authorities then assume responsibility for housing them.
• An increase in armed forces veterans listed as rough sleepers and experiencing homelessness since 2019 was noted. It was confirmed that veterans are prioritised for housing, but underlying issues such as mental health problems and family breakdown contribute to this increase.
• Members requested that the Housing Allocation Strategy be brought to the committee for scrutiny once finalised.

RESOLVED: That the Report be noted, and the Committee's comments be forwarded to Cabinet for consideration.