To seek Cabinet’s approval of a Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026 - 31.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)     formally adopts the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026 – 2031;

(b)     authorises the Portfolio Holder with responsibility for housing to make amendments to the strategy, if needed, after it is adopted; and

(c)     requests that the Portfolio Holder for Housing & Planning provide an annual update to Cabinet on progress with delivering the Action Plan set out within the strategy.

Cabinet considered a report of the Housing & Planning Portfolio Holder (A.6) which sought its approval of a Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-31. The Council’s current Homelessness Reduction and Rough Sleeping Strategy had been approved in 2020 and had been a four-year strategy running until 2024.

Cabinet was cognisant that homelessness was a significant pressure for the Council, as it was for most Councils. Given this significance it was important that the Council had a clear strategy on how it intended to reduce homelessness and rough sleeping in the District.

Sustained high levels of homelessness approaches had led to a high demand for temporary accommodation as the Council sought to comply with its statutory duties. Whilst privately rented accommodation was available in the District and the Council had good relationships with local landlords a general shortage of affordable housing meant that it was taking longer to move households out of temporary accommodation. This meant temporary accommodation use was increasing even though homelessness approaches had not necessarily increased in the last year or so.

It was reported that the Council’s Housing Solutions service had experienced a 104% increase in the number of households being placed in temporary accommodation between 2018/19 and 2024/25. The numbers of single homeless had risen more sharply than households with children and this had been therefore prioritised for intervention in the new strategy.

Members were informed that the strategy included three priority areas:-

(i)       improving access to services;

(ii)      working in partnership; and

(iii)    increasing options for the single homeless.

Cabinet recognised that Local Government Reorganisation made a view into the future less certain, with the knowledge that this Council would merge, on the Government’s current timetable, into a new Unitary Authority from 2028.

Cabinet noted that this strategy also aligned with the Housing Strategy 2026-30 that had been adopted by Full Council at its meeting held on 27 January 2026.

The Housing and Planning Portfolio Holder made the following statement:-

“Leader, I am pleased to introduce the proposed Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026–2031.

This strategy comes at a time when homelessness pressures are rising both locally and nationally. As Cabinet will be aware from the previous report the challenge continues to grow. As I have said, demand on our services has increased year?on?year, the cost of temporary accommodation places significant strain on our budget, and the complexity of individual cases continues to deepen.

Against this backdrop, it is essential that we set out a clear, forward?looking and deliverable approach. The strategy before Cabinet today does exactly that.

A Strategy Grounded in Evidence and Local Need

The draft strategy has been developed following:

·      the work of the cross?party Homelessness and Temporary Accommodation Working Group,

·      updates previously reported to Cabinet, and

·      analysis of the pressures being felt across the District.

·      Consultation with partners & stakeholders

It recognises not only the scale of the challenge but also the changing nature of homelessness. The issues we face are not limited to rooflessness; they include family breakdown, domestic abuse, economic instability, private sector insecurity, and the wider cost?of?living pressures.

This strategy sets out a framework that is proactive, preventative, and realistic.

Key Aims of the Strategy

Leader, the Strategy prioritises:

1.               Early intervention and prevention:

Strengthening front?end advice, mediation, and partnership working so that we prevent homelessness wherever possible.

2.               Reducing the use and cost of temporary accommodation:
By increasing the supply of appropriate options, supporting move?on pathways, and making full use of opportunities within our housing and planning functions.

3.               Supporting rough sleepers with tailored, person?centred solutions:
This includes strengthening outreach, continuing partnership work, and ensuring support is not just about securing a bed but addressing the underlying causes.

4.               Working collaboratively across sectors:
With health partners, voluntary organisations, social care, support services, and neighbouring authorities to deliver joined?up outcomes.

5.               Preparing responsibly for the future:
Including ensuring that the Council’s approach aligns with the context of Local Government Reorganisation and the need to leave stable, effective arrangements in place.

Building on Recent Progress

The report reminds Cabinet of the progress made over the past year, particularly through the Working Group. This strategy consolidates those improvements and provides a 5?year plan that is both ambitious and achievable.

Importantly, while the strategy sets out clear direction, it maintains flexibility. Given the uncertain national landscape and the upcoming structural changes in local government, it is vital that we have a strategy robust enough to steer us, yet adaptable enough to respond to emerging challenges.

Conclusion

Leader, I will reiterate that homelessness remains one of the most difficult and costly issues we face as a district – not just financially, but socially and morally. This strategy acknowledges that reality and provides a strong, coherent, and compassionate plan for moving forward.

It places prevention at the heart of our approach, recognises the importance of partnerships, and sets a clear expectation that we continue to support some of the most vulnerable people in our community.”

Local authorities were required by Government to have a formal homelessness strategy and were expected to adopt a strategic approach to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping in their local areas and plan for future needs. Therefore, the recommendations within the Portfolio Holder’s report aimed to meet that requirement and to ensure that the new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy was appropriately adopted, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

It was moved by Councillor Baker, seconded by Councillor Stephenson and:-

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)     formally adopts the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026 – 2031;

(b)     authorises the Portfolio Holder with responsibility for housing to make amendments to the strategy, if needed, after it is adopted; and

(c)     requests that the Portfolio Holder for Housing & Planning provide an annual update to Cabinet on progress with delivering the Action Plan set out within the strategy.