Taunton Deane's Homeless strategy "Planning Out Homelessness" aims to greatly improve the services for homeless people in the district. "Planning Out Homelessness" is a separate strategy but links closely to the Council's other strategies, including the Council's Vision, Corporate Strategy, Community Strategies, the Housing Strategy, the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan, the Race Equality Scheme, the Regulatory Reform of Grants, and Service Plans. Social Services must consider this strategy when planning their own actions.
The Housing Strategy Team are continuing to work on the various sub-strategies, which link in to the Homeless Strategy.
The Government required all Councils to implement Homeless Reviews and devise strategies by July 2003, as part of the requirement of the Homeless Act 2002. The strategy is a five-year plan, but it will be reviewed annually.
Methods Used
The working group involving Housing Officers, SHELTER workers and representatives from Social Services, Taunton Association for the Homeless (TAH) and the Open Door (a local street homeless charity) continues to meet regularly to 'steer and prioritise' the Action Plan formulated from the Strategy Day.
A full review of existing services and current statistical information was implemented. Best Value implications were investigated and we continued to carry out wide consultation exercises and built up a picture of 'gaps and frustrations' of services which were missing altogether or under-achieving.
This year the Homeless Consultation and the Homeless Strategy Day were combined to create a comprehensive day for multi-agencies, Taunton Deane Officers and Councillors to participate in.
We continue to use the three main themes as before:
The Action Plan utilises these headings to identify and develop agreed actions. It is important to ensure that these annual Action Plans are updated regularly to create a true and accurate picture of areas to develop, which will be reflected in the full strategy document due to be updated in 2008.
| Issues in priority order |
Agreed action |
Action |
| 1. Lack of cohesive Deane-wide homeless network |
Agree continuation of Steering Group to provide multi-agency focus for all 3 headings. Involve other organisations as appropriate (case conferences for most difficult cases). |
Ongoing |
| 2. Need to improve consultation and ensure it continues |
Annual consultation and review of the Strategy, progress, failures, etc. Plan quarterly meetings for each year. |
Ongoing |
| 3. Re-evaluate the deposit and bond scheme offered to Private Landlords |
Set up a 'Finders Fee' scheme similar to that offered in Harrow & Colchester include Housing Benefits Dept. to fast-track claims. Train staff in methods used by Colchester and Harrow Beacon Authorities. |
Started |
| 4. Difficult to reach agreement between services |
Develop protocols or service level agreements with all relevant institutions and services. To consider appropriate liaison officers with Social Services and Somerset Partnership. |
Ongoing |
| 5. Reorganise to introduce 'spend to save' |
Train staff in methods used by Colchester and Harrow Beacon Authorities. |
Ongoing |
| 6. Look at and discuss a range of accommodation and family support packages for 16/17 year olds with Social Services |
Contact Social Services for appropriate guidance and assistance. |
New |
| 7. Increase of 16 and 17 year olds requesting social housing. |
Improve and pay for mediation services (relationship breakdowns, neighbour disputes, etc.) - Relate, Outreach,Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) and Parenting, Mediation Somerset. Revisit as not successful. |
Ongoing |
| 8. Families evict 16/17 year olds believing the Council will accommodate |
Educate families and young people.Talk at Somerset College Of Art & Technology (SCAT). Identify areas where 16/17 year olds apply as homeless. Target schools in those areas. |
Started |
| 9. Reduce number of evictions from TAH due to deductions from housing benefits 'overpayments |
SHELTER to arrange discussion with Housing Benefit Section to reduce over-payment amounts. |
New |
| 10. Address organisations failing to attend Homelessness Strategy Conference resulting in lack of partnership liaison |
Need to promote the importance of these meetings. Use Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) to raise concerns over organisations failing to attend strategy days/meetings and therefore lack of joined-up working. |
Not Started |
| 11. Housing Providers adding to a person's debt by proceeding to Court for evictions (costs incurred) |
Before Court Action advocate a panel to discuss the case and involve relevant support services. Don't add to the person's debt by proceeding straight to Court. |
Not Started |
| 12. Increase in households presenting as homeless due to severe debt problems |
Promote Debt Advice - Look at possibility of Credit Union. |
New |
| 13. Lack of alternative, other than social housing for those unemployed |
Promote Housing Options (Preventative) deposit schemes. Advertise and liaise with private landlords. |
Started |
| 14. Under-occupation in family housing |
Maintain Cash Incentive Scheme in all social housing, including flats. |
Started |
| 15. Lack of information on housing related services |
Produce a Directory of Services and adequate signposting. |
Started |
| 16. Information for staff needs updating |
Provide a Working Guide. Update leaflets and lists |
Started |
| 17. Council Housing Advice Services are limited |
Train Homeless Team and Allocation staff (improve advice). Develop Housing Options Programme. |
Ongoing |
| 18. Services can be difficult to access for certain groups |
Improve access to services, for e.g., outreach, rural issues,' One Stop Shop', Café idea,Women's Aid.for certain groups |
Ongoing |
| 19. Improve services for disabled to prevent 'bed blocking' issues |
Home Aid Services to prioritise 'bed blocking' issues. |
Ongoing |
| 20. Private Landlords evicting tenants who have debt problems |
Create an Eviction Checklist for private landlords (similar to one for RSL) which offers debt advice and housing support before eviction to help, guide and negotiate. |
New |
| 21. Concern over ever-rising costs of houses in Private Sector and what would happen if the 'bubble burst' |
Form a focus group of lenders (include Credit Union) and Wessex Reinvestment Trust. |
Not Started |
| Issues in priority order |
Agreed action |
Action |
| 1. Lack of cohesive Deane-wide homeless network |
Agree continuation of Steering Group to provide multi-agency focus for all 3 headings. Involve other organisations as appropriate (case conferences for most difficult cases). Plan quarterly meetings annually. |
Ongoing |
| 2. Need to improve consultation and ensure it continues. |
Annual consultation and review of the Strategy, progress, failures, etc. |
Ongoing |
| 3. Re-evaluate the deposit and bond scheme offered to Private Landlords |
Set up a 'Finders Fee' schemes similar to that offered in Harrow & Colchester include Housing Benefits Dept. to fast-track claims. |
Started |
| 4. ODPM announcement for L/A's to reduce temporary accommodation by 50% by 2010. |
Identify and address current levels of B&B and undertake a review of current and future demand/use - Link into 'Finders Fee' to incentivise the use of the Private Rented Sector. |
Started |
| 5. Look at and discuss accommodation and family support packages for 16/17 year olds with Social Services. |
Contact Social Services for appropriate guidance and assistance. |
New |
| 6. Registered Social Landlords not allocating enough re-lets to homeless cases. |
Improve liaison with RSL to maximise re-let opportunities in line with internal arrangements in Taunton Deane. |
Ongoing |
| 7. Insufficient social housing and move-on accommodation. |
Follow recommendations of Ark Report County-wide Housing Needs Survey. (Target of 167 to year 2011 and 278 pa beyond that date of which 50% should be flats). One in 10 as move-on (flats only). |
Ongoing |
| 8. Lack of move-on accommodation. |
Assist Supported Housing Move-on working party to address the lack of move on accommodation. |
Started |
| 9. No temporary accommodation strategy particularly relating to the reduction of 'bed and breakfast' and value for money issues. |
Develop a Temporary Accommodation Procurement Strategy. Leasing arrangements to be considered. |
Ongoing |
| 10. Lack of sufficient grant capital to ensure adequate number of social housing units are completed. |
Continue to develop S106 Planning
Agreements/grants to Registered Social Landlords. |
Ongoing |
| 11. Insufficient hostel accommodation means too much reliance on bed and breakfast establishments. |
Review need for hostels (houses for families to reduce Bed and Breakfast - monitor further need at team meetings). |
Ongoing |
| 12. Lack of provision for Rough Sleepers in Taunton. |
Explore options at Countywide level and review provisionally. Look at night shelter/ Winter Watch issues for rough sleepers. |
Started |
| 13. Clients with drug and alcohol dependencies require accommodation before they can access support. |
Investigate the Bournemouth Project with a view to providing accommodation/support. |
Started |
| 14. Inadequate vacancies or acceptances into existing supporting schemes. |
Pilot project another supported housing scheme for recovering drug/ alcohol users (not just those in priority need). |
Started |
| 15. SHELTER requested B&B for those not in priority need but receiving treatment for drug use, etc. |
Issues regarding funding for this - implications of placing someone not in priority need into B&B. Investigate whether the above project would be viable. |
Started |
| 16. Funding concerns for these drug/alcohol projects. |
Use the Crime & Disorder Partnership for funding - further wet house project.
Review supporting people budget (raise the profile). |
Started |
| 17. Supported Housing Providers, i.e. Carr-Gomm are able to take direct referrals but lack accommodation. |
Allocate a further 4 units to them at Ruskin Close. Use these units as move-on accommodation for supported housing tenants from Rethink. |
Started |
| 18. Women's Aid have expressed an interest in purchasing a current satellite house. |
Enable purchase of satellite house for Women's Aid & locate suitable accommodation in close proximity to refuge to be used as satellite home. |
New |
| 19. Concerns over long-term provision for drug/ alcohol client group. A higher demand for supported housing but new build tends to focus on general need. |
Formalise S106 agreement for move-on units.
Now providing 1 in 10 disabled, 1 in 10 move-on and a good supply of extra-care, which includes high dependency. |
Started |
| 20. Closure of some houses in multiple occupation (H.M.O.'s). |
Introduce incentives to maintain/improved supply of HMO's. |
Ongoing |
| 21. HMO Licensing& Housing Health & Safety Rating System becomes mandatory on 6th April 2006.(Housing Act 2004). |
Look at the impact of this legislation for TDBC, landlords and stakeholders and provide training and awareness for any interested parties. Raise awareness at the Landlords Forum. |
New |
| 22. Lack of statistical information for demands of special needs groups. |
Quantify, develop and provide more supported housing (Special Needs Housing Group and decommission Warden Scheme). |
Ongoing |
| 23. Knowledge gaps re:- gypsies' requirements and no sites currently available. |
Ark report to provide the basis for the new supply. |
Ongoing |
| 24. Land/sites for gypsies/travellers in Taunton Deane |
Submit a bid to the ODPM for identified land at Otterford to provide a temporary transit site for 6 pitches. Taunton Deane and Somerset County Council are working together to identify further sites in the area suitable for the gypsy and traveller community. |
Started |
| 25. Insufficient private lets. |
Nominate Liaison Officer to Private Landlords/Property Agents to increase supply. |
Started |
| 26. Some homeless applicants still unable to access private rented sector. Widen scope of bond and deposit schemes. |
Some homeless applicants still unable to access private rented sector. Widen scope of bond and deposit schemes. |
Ongoing |
| Issues in priority order |
Agreed action |
Action |
| 1. Lack of cohesive Deane-wide homeless network |
Agree continuation of Steering Group to provide multi-agency focus for all 3 headings. Involve other organisations as appropriate (case conferences for most difficult cases). Plan quarterly meetings annually. |
Ongoing |
| 2. Need to improve consultation and ensure it continues |
Annual consultation and review of the Strategy, progress, failures, etc. |
Ongoing |
| 3. Look at and discuss accommodation and family support packages for 16/17 year olds with Social Services |
Contact Social Services for appropriate guidance and assistance. |
New |
| 4. Insufficient support and services rather fragmented |
(a) To develop floating support for all tenures (Supporting People Forum). (b) Debt counselling - Citizens Advice Bureau. (c) Pre-tenancy support. |
Ongoing |
| 5. Detoxification services fragmented and not directed |
Encourage the co-ordination of detoxification support through multi-agency agreement. |
Not Started |
| 6. Lack of guidance from Mental Health Team - difficult for Housing staff to establish statutory responsibilities for clients |
Invite Parkgate Manager and local GP to join Steering Group. |
Started |
| 7. Gaps in mental health provision |
• Acquire and use CVS report. • Steering Group to meet with appropriate Social Services Managers. • Steering Group to take this project forward. (link to item 5). |
Started |
| 8. Provide Mental Health Training for housing staff to raise awareness |
Organise a training day by 'Mind'. |
Started |
| 9. Lack of support from Social Services for 16/17 year olds - other than 'leaving care' clients |
Meet with Social Services to investigate any help they can give. |
New |
| 10. Concerns over temporary nature of the buildings occupied by Open Door |
Ensure viability and continuation of Open Door. |
Started |
| 11. Some homeless people have difficulty in accessing General Practitioners and Dentists. |
Ensure access to General Practitioners and Dentists through Primary Care Trusts. |
Ongoing |
| 12. Some victims of violence want to remain in their own homes, but are unable to do this without support |
Support Women's Refuge in providing outreach workers to enable victims who wish to remain in homes. |
Ongoing |
| 13. Homeless cases are often grouped together as a problem by the press. This stops them accessing some accommodation |
Improve public relations. |
Started |
| 14. Set up a monthly surgery for members of the public to have access to Novas Floating Support. |
Provide interview room for Novas Support within Deane Reception area. |
Started |
| 15. Lack of multi-agency training on housing/homelessness issues |
Set up a training agenda which includes homelessness, housing and grants training. |
New |
| 16. Lack of knowledge for staff on what multi-agencies in Taunton do |
Set up an electronic newsletter bi-monthly, allow agencies to submit their own articles and circulate to all agencies to update on projects and advise of new National Policy. |
New |
| 17. Lack of information relating to those homeless cases not covered by the legislation or who do not apply for housing |
Monitor non-priority homeless cases, intentional homeless and vulnerable people who do not apply for social housing. (Ask County-wide Needs Officer to assist). |
Ongoing |
| 18. Little use of information technology and statistical base limited |
Improve information technology and statistical base. (Ask County-wide Needs Officer to assist). |
Ongoing |
| 19. Lack of knowledge on work of partners |
Improve understanding through Annual Open Day - through Local Strategic Partnership. Publicise services. |
Not Started |
| 20. The problems relating to accommodating and supporting refugees |
Form a support group for refugees. |
Not required yet |
| Item |
Action |
Heading |
Completed |
| 7. Higher evictions from B&B for 16/17 year olds due to poor behaviour |
Implement immediate Novas support to all under-18's in temporary accommodation |
Prevention |
Yes |
| 11. Concerns over lack of joined-up working between Local Authority (LA) and Registered Social Landlord (RSL) when evicting tenants - not enough early warnings to the Homeless Department |
Set up a working group to create a 'quick guide' for all Housing staff to follow for guidance. |
Prevention |
Yes |
| 5. Lack of guidance from Mental Health Team - difficult for Housing to establish statutory responsibilities |
Invite Parkgate Manager to join Steering Group |
Support |
Yes |
| 18. Little information for school and college leavers |
Housing to complete referral form for Connexions on each case. Produce policy for all Housing Officers. |
Prevention |
Yes |
| 9. Inadequate vacancies or acceptances into existing supporting schemes |
Possibility of TAH to use Leycroft/ Lyngford as a link - arrange further meeting to see whether TAH will manage |
Supply |
Yes |
| 1. Lack of cohesive Deane-wide homeless network |
Involve other organisations to set up case conferences for most difficult cases. (Multiagency
Assessment Panel). |
Prevention Supply Support
|
Successfully completed although still ongoing. |
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