Agenda and minutes

No apologies for absence were received. Councillor Holmes was absent.

To approve the Minutes of the previous meeting held on 24 January 2023.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 24 January 2023 were approved.

Members to declare any interest as appropriate in respect of items to be considered at this meeting.

An interest in respect to Councillor Posnett was noted as being on record for any matter which related to Leicestershire County Council.

To consider the attached Forward Plan and identify any relevant items for inclusion in the Scrutiny Work Programme, or to request further information.

The Chairman introduced the Cabinet Forward Plan and invited Members to comment.

Members are to review and comment upon the attached Scrutiny Work Programme 2022/23.

The Chairman introduced the Scrutiny Work Programme 2022/23 and invited Members to comment upon the document.

The Committee is to receive a report which provides an update of Housing Options and Homelessness across the borough of Melton.

The Director for Housing and Communities (Deputy Chief Executive), Michelle Howard, introduced the report on homelessness. The Committee then received a presentation from the Strategic Lead for Supporting Communities, Rachel Chubb.

A Member mentioned that in their experience of encountering residents who are homeless or facing homelessness, the feedback they have given regarding the response from the Council has been positive. In the opinion of the Member, the actions taken were above and beyond what was expected. The Member thanked the team and stated that the work they do is appreciated.

Following a discussion regarding the residents in temporary accommodation and bed and breakfasts, the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Landlord Services stated that getting people out of temporary accommodation and into permanent accommodation remains a top priority. However he reminded Members that it isn’t always as simple as providing accommodation and that some may need extra support such as the support that can be provided in supported housing. The lack of supported accommodation within the Borough was highlighted as a risk.

The comment was made by a Member that the Council is doing an exceptional job in regards to homelessness, however the Member felt that the Council could get a better idea of what the level of need is through more engagement with food bank providers.  

Following a query on whether the banding review (new allocations policy) has had an impact on homelessness, Members were informed that the new policy was implemented over a year ago and that there have been few complaints as a result of the review. Officers explained that they were confident that the review had not impacted on homelessness rates and applicants impacted by the review had been encouraged to discuss their circumstances with the housing options team. Officers committed to providing some further information to the committee on how many people were negatively impacted by the new policy/banding changes. 

In response to a query on how long the Council it will take to get someone in a B&B or hotel into long term accommodation, Members were informed that the Council has a duty to move people in temporary accommodation into affordable permanent accommodation and that this will take as long as required. If the Council believes someone is a priority need, then temporary accommodation will be provided for until suitable accommodation is found.

Following a query, it was clarified that Armed Forces veterans are treated as a priority need.

Concerned was raised regarding out of area people being housed within the Borough. It was explained that the people would be isolated from friends and family and would not have the basics or access to services. Officers confirmed that they would always look at suitable properties in suitable locations relevant to each case and that availability of accommodation was a key consideration. It was also explained that in supporting homeless applicants into accommodation, referrals to charities and appropriate funds are made to help provide some household items. Officers confirmed that in temporary accommodation,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65.

To consider any other items that the Chair considers urgent

There was no urgent business.