Issue - meetings

The Government is currently considering major changes to the way vulnerable clients in housing need pay for their short-term supported housing. This may result in a new ring-fenced grant issued to Surrey County Council in replacement of the client’s access to state benefits to pay for rental costs. Given that proposals, as currently published, do not address how new provision will be funded from 2020, officers wish to highlight to Spelthorne Joint Committee that Spelthorne Borough Council is actively seeking to build a hostel for local single homeless people.

The Spelthorne Joint Committee:

(i) Noted that funding arrangements for short term supported housing, including those for homeless people, are due to change from 2020/21, with current expectations that Surrey County Council will receive an annual grant to distribute to the eleven boroughs and districts.

(ii) Noted that Spelthorne Borough Council are actively seeking to build a hostel for single homeless people with a connection to Spelthorne.

(iii) Agreed that, based on the evidence provided, the provision of a new homeless hostel in Spelthorne is required.

(iv) Agreed that, subject to a final decision by HM Government on the method of revenue funding from 2020/21, and subject to receiving detail on the conditions which will be attached to that grant funding, that the proposed new hostel in Spelthorne is prioritised for revenue funding.

Reasons for recommendations:

The above recommendations are sought in order to progress plans for a single person’s homeless hostel. The Government are currently finalising their position on

funding arrangements from 2020, but given the timescales for Spelthorne Borough Council to design and build the hostel, an early indication of support from Joint Committee is sought, with a commitment to prioritise revenue funding for the scheme once arrangements are finalised.

Declarations of Interest: None

Officers attending: David Birley, Housing Strategy Officer, Spelthorne Borough Council

Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: None.

The Officer gave an overview of the situation regarding the review by Government of how rental payments are made for or by individuals in short-term supported housing and the possibility of a ring-fenced grant being issued to Surrey County Council. He confirmed that the proposed new hostel to be built by Spelthorne Borough Council would be situated at Fordbridge roundabout, with opening expected in approximately 18 months.

Member Discussion – key points:

The Officer responded to some specific questions relating to trends in the statistics included in his report, and the number and costs of residential units in the hostel.

The Chairman recognised the County Council’s responsibilities towards the wellbeing of residents but stated that the Joint Committee was a sensible forum for looking at the homeless hostel plan in its early stages and ensure that both authorities were kept informed of progress.

It was generally agreed that accommodation in this new hostel should be limited to Spelthorne residents. The Officer recognised the costs of providing C4 accommodation (Houses in Multiple Occupation for three to six people) and explained that this project was a step towards increasing the borough’s self-sufficiency in regard to homeless provision and a move away from reliance on private landlords to provide C4 accommodation that proves unpopular with neighbours.

Resolved:

The Spelthorne Joint Committee:

(i) Noted that funding arrangements for short term supported housing, including those for homeless people, are due to change from 2020/21, with current expectations that Surrey County Council will receive an annual grant to distribute to the eleven boroughs and districts.

(ii) Noted that Spelthorne Borough Council are actively seeking to build a hostel for single homeless people with a connection to Spelthorne.

(iii) Agreed that, based on the evidence provided, the provision of a new homeless hostel in Spelthorne is required.

(iv) Agreed that, subject to a final decision by HM Government on the method of revenue funding from 2020/21, and subject to receiving detail on the conditions which will be attached to that grant funding, that the proposed new hostel in Spelthorne is prioritised for revenue funding.