Issue - items at meetings - Housing Update Careleavers - RPs

(1)       That the report be noted.

71.1    The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director Environment, Development & Housing and the Director of Children’s Services which provided information on those care leavers who were housed in accommodation with Registered Providers under Band A Priority as set out in appendices 1 & 2.  The report was presented by the Head of Housing Support and the Service Manager, Young People’s Services. 

71.2    Members were informed that since the last meeting officers from Children’s Services and Housing Services had met to establish a support system for young people when they reach age 21.  If there were no tenancy related problems the support would cease.     

71.3    Councillor Wilson mentioned that some young people were falling into arrears.  She asked if it was likely that they would be evicted.  Councillor Wilson was informed that there were two current cases.  The arrears were mostly cleared in the first case and had resulted from delays in housing benefit payments.  The other young person had still not been evicted.  Officers were trying to work with the young person concerned.

71.4    Councillor Mears referred to page 41 of the agenda and expressed concern about arrears.  She asked what care packages were in place for the young people involved.  She also asked if any young people were in bed and breakfast accommodation. 

71.5    The Service Manager, Young People’s Services replied that Children’s Services shared Councillor Mears’ concerns.  He promised to provide Councillor Mears with more details about individual cases outside of the meeting.  A small number of young people were involved.  The majority of young people did not have problems and were doing well.  28 young people were currently being supported aged 18-21.  This number would increase during the course of the year.  There were no young people in bed & breakfast but there were other forms of temporary accommodation.

71.6    Councillor Mears asked for details of the numbers of young people in temporary accommodation and where they were placed.  The Chair stated that this information could be provided in any future report on the subject.

71.7    Councillor Shanks stated that she was pleased that this matter was being taken seriously.  The council’s housing stock should be there to help young people. 

71.8    The Chair considered the report to be very positive.  He asked if officers were asking the RSLs for reports.  The Head of Housing Support confirmed that there were no RSL reports as there were no problematic issues. 

71.9    RESOLVED - (1) That the report be noted.