Minutes:
Motion 1a:
Councillor A S Fluker advised that this Motion had been dealt with. At this point he referred to how as a new Member he had been invited to different departments to understand what went on behind the scenes and hope that this could be picked up for new Members in May 2023.
Motion 1b:
Councillor Fluker referred to the hard work of the Senior Specialist Co-ordinator Housing and his team and then gave some further background information regarding this Motion. He referred to the Housing team being under-resourced and hoped that the Motion would bring forward a review of that department particularly regarding resources. Councillor Fluker then put his Motion 1b, as set out below, to the Council.
‘That at its meeting on 23rd February 2023 Council declares a ‘Homeless Crisis’ and resolves to agree that at the next meeting of Council the Corporate Leadership Team presents an updated strategy to reduce homelessness in the District.’
Following a question from the Chairman, Councillor Fluker clarified he would consider amending his Motion to not be so prescriptive regarding the need for a report to come before the next Council meeting, following a steer from Officers.
The Director of Service Delivery introduced the Lead Specialist Community and Senior Specialist Co-ordinator -Housing to the Council. He reassured Members that Officers were looking at resources through Council decisions and changes to the structure for the housing team.
The Officers provided Members with a detailed update in response to Motion 1b and this included:
· The number of applicants on the Housing Need Register (as of 10 February 2023). It was noted that the high number of applicants reflected the lack of affordable, rented properties in the District. Members were informed of the reasons for the lack of affordable accommodation.
· There were currently 91 homelessness applications which was the highest number since Council records began. The lack of interim and settled accommodation had led to homeless applicants having to wait for longer periods on the housing register.
· The higher number of out of District placements had been raised as a risk on the Corporate Risk Register and was again linked to the lack of available interim accommodation and affordable private rented properties. Further detail on the availability of three- and four-bed properties was given.
· The housing team were working proactively with other Officers across services to find Housing solutions for residents.
· A brief comparison of Maldon in relation to other Local Authorities was given.
Officers suggested that rather than declaring a Homelessness Crisis the Council consider declaring a Housing Crisis which would describe the many challenges faced by the Council when trying to assist residents. Further information regarding some of the work that could be done to highlight challenges along with partnership work carried out was provided.
Members discussed the Motion and information provided by Officers in depth. It was noted that Officers worked with Planning Services, particularly at pre-application stage to ensure that bungalows for older people as well as family housing was being provided.
Councillor S White proposed an amendment to the Motion that the Council continued with the review already being undertaken, this be reported to the next meeting of the Strategy and Resources Committee (as a private and confidential report) and every Member be invited to attend that meeting. This amendment was not seconded.
Councillor Fluker referred to the importance of all Members of the Council being aware of the work being undertaken by the Council and particularly the Housing Team. He then proposed that his Motion be amended to refer to “…agreed that at a future meeting of Council the Corporate Leadership Team…”. This amendment was duly seconded.
In response to a question regarding the Council requesting five-bed properties, Members were advised that the Council was getting some four-bed properties through which could accommodate up to seven people. However, there was some danger in requesting five-bed properties as a housing association could say that the Council could not charge social rent on such a sized property resulting in only affordable rent being charged which would exclude a number of residents.
The Chairman sought clarification from Councillor Fluker if he was removing reference to ‘crisis’ from his proposal. Councillor Fluker confirmed he was.
The Leader of the Council referred to the work of the highly dedicated Housing Team and how the Council was a non-stock holding authority. She provided some further detail in response to the discussion and thanked the Housing Team for the work they were doing.
Councillor Fluker confirmed that his amended proposal was ‘that at its meeting on 23 February 2023 Council resolves to agree that at a future meeting of Council the Corporate Leadership Team presents an updated strategy to reduce homelessness in the District’.
The Chairman put the amended Motion to the Council and upon a vote being taken this was duly agreed.
RESOLVEDthat at a future meeting of the Council the Corporate Leadership Team presents an updated strategy to reduce homelessness in the District.