The Housing Advisory Panel of Fareham Council scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, 9 September 2025. The agenda included discussion of the implications of Hampshire County Council's withdrawal of social inclusion funding, as well as a review of the minutes from the previous meeting.

Hampshire County Council Social Inclusion Funding

The panel was scheduled to discuss a report on the implications of Hampshire County Council's (HCC) decision to end social inclusion funding from 1 April 2026. HCC currently commissions social inclusion contracts across the county to deliver housing-related support to vulnerable adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. These services aim to help individuals secure accommodation and address issues such as substance misuse, mental health, and offending.

The social inclusion services provided within Fareham are jointly utilised with Gosport Borough Council (GBC) and consist of:

• A short-term stage 1 accommodation-based service at 101 Gosport Road, Fareham, providing 24/7 on-site support with 18 units shared between Fareham and Gosport.
• A short-term stage 2 accommodation-based service at Acton Lodge, Fareham, which includes low-level visiting support, with 10 units shared between Fareham and Gosport.
• Community support not attached to specific accommodation, offering short-term housing-related support to anyone homeless or at risk of homelessness, regardless of their current housing status.

The contract to deliver these services is between HCC and Two Saints, with HCC funding over 70% of the contract value, and Fareham and Gosport councils providing the remaining contributions.

The report stated that the withdrawal of funding could have several negative impacts, including:

• Fewer specialist support options for people with complex needs.
• Increased demand on Fareham Borough Council's housing options and homelessness prevention services.
• Greater pressure on local services, such as health and community safety partners.
• A potential increase in rough sleepers in the borough.

The report stated that the council was exploring measures to maintain support for vulnerable residents who are the responsibility of Fareham Borough Council under the Housing Act 1996. These measures would need to meet statutory homelessness duties, minimise pressures on local services and be financially sustainable, without negatively impacting wider homelessness prevention services.

The Housing Advisory Panel was invited to consider the report, discuss any concerns or preferences, and provide feedback to inform recommendations to the council's executive at the October executive meeting.

Minutes

The panel was asked to confirm the minutes of the Housing Advisory Panel meeting held on 10 July 2025 as a correct record.