Agenda item - Rough Sleeping Strategy Update

Report of the Executive Director of Health & Adult Social Care (copy attached)

22.1    The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Health and Adult Social Care which provided a progress update on implementation of the Rough Sleeping Strategy.

22.2    It was explained that the “Rough Sleeping Strategy (2016-2020)” had been approved by the Local Authority and its partners and had been signed up to by Brighton and Hove Connected in June 2016. The issue of rough sleeping remained acute with a visible presence on the streets and with an impact not only on the life chances and well-being of an individual but also the city’s reputation with costs incurred to public services and businesses. It was estimated that there were currently around 10 new arrivals to the city each week who were either already rough sleeping or at risk of rough sleeping. In consequence local agencies had to work effectively together with over 1000 individuals per year; of those there was a 50-50 split between those who came from outside the city and those who had a local connection. The vast majority of individuals had complex needs, often relating to substance misuse and mental health issues connected with their vulnerability. The strategy which had been approved unanimously by all agencies was now in the process of being closely monitored and actively reviewed to seek to ensure that the most effective outcomes were achieved for rough sleepers and for the city as a whole with the strategy having been broken down into 5 priorities and 12 goals.

22.3    Councillor Phillips stated that this was a big issue for residents in her ward and was often mentioned when she spoke to them, whilst the strategies referred to were laudable, in practical terms this problems was becoming worse year on year. This was a horrific situation and was getting worse.

22.4    Councillor Peltzer Dunn stated that reference made to updates which had been made to the document, it was unclear however when the document had been updated and what amendments had been made. It was difficult in his view to extrapolate the information provided in a meaningful way as presented. The Executive Director, Neighbourhoods, Communities and Housing explained that the figures were updated on a quarterly on the basis of information provided by all partners. The points raised were noted and would be incorporated into future update reports.

22.5    Councillor A Norman referred to ex-military personnel some of whom were vulnerable in consequence of trauma due to their work and asked regarding any measures in place to identify and assist this group. It was explained that liaison with SAFFA took place on a regular basis and individuals were directed towards appropriate pathways.

22.6    Councillor Moonan stated that the report provided a picture of the cross-cutting work which was had been undertaken and was continuing to be undertaken with partners. In reality the problem had worsened due exacerbated by the on-going housing crisis and shrinking resources.

22.7    Councillor Nemeth stated that in his view a more robust approach was required to provide assistance into employment and to assess the manner in which the current night shelter arrangements were provided. The current strategy in his view was not working at all and would not work, it was in shreds and needed to be looked at anew with a different approach adopted. In some instances “tough love rather than “warm words was required. He did not support the existing strategy.

22.8    The Chair, Councillor Councillor Daniel, stated that her group certainly would not support an approach which could result in the vulnerable being vilified. Government policy at national level made a huge impact locally and the strategies in place sought to address the problem against a backdrop of diminishing resources. It should be noted that this strategy had been signed up to by the Council at Cross-Party level and that the report before the Committee that day was an update report for noting.

22.9    Councillor West stated that whilst he had no wish to victimise the victims he was agreement that the current processes/strategies in place were not working. In his view an entirely new approach was needed and as he could not support the existing strategy he was unable to support the report recommendation, albeit that it was to note. Councillor Phillips concurred with that view.

22.10  Councillor K Norman stated that he was very disappointed that consideration of the report had descended to a political level as he considered all parties should be working together to seek solutions. Councillor Peltzer Dunn agreed, stating that clearly this was an issue about which Members were passionate.

22.11  The Chair noted all that had been said re-iterating that work with partners was on-going, problems were compounded in consequence of national policies and the existing strategy which continued to evolve had been signed up to by the majority of Members Cross-Party. The report before the Committee that day provided a snapshot of the work undertaken to date and current position. Councillor Moonan re-iterated that, that was the case and that she was the Lead Councillor on this issue and that there was a willingness to receive input and enter into dialogue with all Members.

22.12  Councillor West noted what had been said but stated that no one had been in possession of a crystal ball when the Strategy had been signed up to originally. In his view current arrangements were not working, a different approach to collaboration was needed and he could not support the existing strategy going forward. Councillor Phillips agreed stating that the available resources needed to be used to provide housing, the focus needed to be different.

22. 13 Councillor A Norman considered that whatever strategies were in place it was important to have awareness that many rough sleepers were on the street through no fault of their own and that there was a need to work together to find long term solutions.

22.14  A vote was taken and 4 Members voted to receive and note the contents of the report, 1 Member abstained from voting and 5 Members voted not to accept the recommendation that the report be received and noted.

22.15  RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be received and noted.