Issue - items at meetings - Update on Homelessness and Rough Sleeping

Report of the Strategic Director, Place

46.1    The Committee considered the report which provided an update on Homelessness and Rough Sleeping. In addition to the report, Ms N Homeward, Director Homelessness Brighton Housing Trust and Ms B Davison, Director CRI (Rough Sleeper Team) attended the meeting to provide a verbal overview of their work. 

46.2    Ms Davison said that there had been an increase in ‘short term’ rough sleepers over the last two years, but there had been a decrease in the ‘long term’ rough sleepers. The increase appeared to be due to economic factors and CRI worked quickly with those people to ensure they didn’t become entrenched in street life. They had worked hard with the long term rough sleepers, ensuring they had accommodation and received the support they needed. Up to 70% of the short term rough sleepers had no local connection, which was problematic as hostels were being closed and resources squeezed. Where possible these people were encouraged to go to an area where they had a connection and hostels were contacted to see if they could accommodate them. Brighton was a more attractive place to sleep rough; people were more welcoming and there wasn’t the same level of crime found in some cities.

46.3    Ms Homeward spoke to the Committee about the work with rough sleepers, and said that the Trust had two shelters which were opened during severe weather conditions. The two shelters could accommodate 45 people. The shelters would open if the overnight temperature dropped to 0 degrees, or less, for two nights running. Those staying would be given food and a place to sleep. The shelters closed in the morning and guests were then invited to attend the Day Centres.

46.4    All councillors thanked officers and the guests for the report and verbal updates.

46.5    Councillor Davey noted that 70% of rough sleepers had no connection with the city, and asked how long they tended to stay. He was advised that they generally moved on within 3 to 4 weeks, and so there was a fairly high turnover.

46.6    Councillor Farrow asked whether many of the rough sleepers were ex servicemen. He was advised that a number were and informed that there was a Sussex wide project to help them. It was known that many of those people had distinct needs such as alcoholism or were suffering from PTSD and so particular support was offered. Councillor Farrow said he a member of the Civil Military Partnership Board, a group who supported ex service personnel and invited officers to liaise with that group, and suggested that it might be useful to hold a workshop to look at the issues of homelessness. Councillor Deane said that she had spoken to senior members of the Services and they were very concerned that colleagues were sleeping rough, and said that regiments were very willing to help where they could and suggested that officers liaise with the Services who may be able to offer support and funding.

46.7   Councillor Deane asked officers if there were regular patrols to identify those who were sleeping rough, and whether there was a contact number members of the public could use if they were concerned for someone. The Committee were advised that anyone found rough sleeping were advised where they could go to find shelter, and there was a direct line to relevant services which the police, hospitals etc had. In addition the number for front line services was available to the public and were placed in locations such as bus stops.

46.8    Councillor Mears asked for reassurance that there wouldn’t be any cut in the budget for homelessness. The Chair confirmed that the administration took the issue of homelessness very seriously and would do all it could to support those affected.

46.9    Councillor Powell said that it was important to look at all the issues of homelessness; the average person could lose their job and end up homeless and asked how the council could help further. The Chair said that Councillor Farrow’s suggestion of holding a workshop to consider all ideas was a good one and asked officers to arrange it.

46.10  RESOLVED – That the report be noted.