Decision details

Executive’s approval was sought for the adoption of the Bolsover Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy.

The core aim of the Bolsover Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy was to break down system blockages, argue that a multi-disciplinary approach was needed to make systems work better, and that services were flexibly designed around the needs of the Council’s customers.

The strategy had been developed through close collaboration between the Derbyshire Homelessness Officers Group (DHOG), and a wide range of partner agencies to ensure that the Council was “working collaboratively to prevent and reduce homelessness, making it everyone’s responsibility.”

The strategy would meet the vision and aims through the delivery of 4 clear priorities;

1.    Make homelessness everyone’s responsibility through a system wide approach,

2.    Prevent homelessness and respond through early intervention and personalised solutions,

3.    End rough sleeping and repeat homelessness,

4.    Develop sustainable supported and settled housing solutions.

The strategy would serve as the Council’s main homelessness & rough sleeping strategy for 5 years.  It was noted that there was a legal requirement for the Council to have a homelessness & rough sleeping strategy in place.

The Chief Executive commented that there was a difference between homelessness and rough sleeping and the Council was now seeing a large number of people presenting themselves as homeless or potentially becoming homeless due to the current cost of living crisis.

Moved by Councillor Sandra Peake and seconded by Councillor Duncan McGregor

RESOLVED that the Bolsover Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2022-2027 be approved and adopted.

(Assistant Director Housing Management, Enforcement and Customer Services)

Reasons for Recommendation

By adopting the strategy the Council would be able to meet the continued challenges ahead such as meeting the needs of those with multiple and complex needs and the coming issues related to the increases in the cost of living.

Alternative Options and Reasons for Rejection

Not to approve the recommendation to implement the proposed strategy. It should be noted that the Council would be in breach of its legal requirement to have a published Rough Sleeping Strategy in place.

Not to approve the implementation of the proposed strategy would have a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of considerably vulnerable individuals. The strategy provided a co-ordinated framework for the delivery of essential services to protect the wellbeing of rough sleepers.