Agenda item

The Chair invited Councillor Rich Maw to speak at this point.

Councillor Maw described a local company Homemore and the work they were doing in Scarborough working with vulnerable and homeless people.

Councillor Maw spoke of the mental health issues associated with homelessness and that this was a big problem in Scarborough. This was due to many factors including high rents, low employment opportunities and poor welfare, amongst others. Whilst unemployment in Scarborough at 3% is lower than the national average it is still a major contributing factor. Each case is different and Homemore is working closely with other support services and the system works well. Staff are trained to deal with attempted suicide incidents and while overall costs are higher the benefits of the system are clear to see. It was suggested that Councillor Myers met with representatives of Homemore at some point in the future.

Councillor Sedgwick and Councillor Broadbent had recently visited Homemore (4^th December) where they met with representatives from the company and Councillor Rich Maw. They were able to meet the guests, view the family accommodation and have some really useful discussions with some of the staff.

Considered – A presentation on the housing strategy from Sharon Graham and Andrew Rowe.

This presentation was to advise members on the housing strategy, the councils ambitions, priorities and targets and how we fulfil our role as a strategic housing authority. It was emphasised that this was not a local plan.

The presentation covered the following main points:

·       housing conditions

·       access to housing

·       enforcing standards across all tenures

·       enabling new homes

·       delivering new homes

·       enabling people to stay living in their own homes

It was reiterated by Andrew that housing covered a broad area and subject matter and whilst the action plan covered the next 3-4 years,  a number of things were under way currently. Homelessness was increasing nationally, and the North Yorkshire spend has quadrupled with 220 people currently in temporary accommodation, with 90 of those being in Scarborough. The current picture is very different and more professional working families and individuals are now in need of temporary accommodation.

Housing provider options vary with own stock, housing association properties, private companies, landlords and bed and breakfast providers. The current spend is £2 million per year on hotels and B&B’s , this is clearly too expensive. Investment from NYC is needed and to recycle savings to help with support. Sharing good practice is currently underway across the County and the housing and health relationship is key.

Housing retrofits in the private sector are a priority to bring the properties up to quality/standard.

The aim is to build 800-900 affordable homes per year with the potential to develop council/social housing. Selective licencing is a priority for private rented accommodation as currently enforcement is responsive only.

A discussion then took place that raised the following:

·       Work was underway with partners to both upgrade existing and invest in new homes

·       Councillors need to embrace their role and work with Housing Authorities

·       Pilots were underway in Craven and Scarborough re advice on services for decarbonisation

·       Working with the LEP to help the retro fit subject

·       A further meeting would be beneficial for the Committee to look in more detail at the strategy, this could look at individual elements in more detail

·       Could there be an opportunity to utilise land for an ageing population as specialist builds were required now?

·       A graduate scheme for care leavers would be beneficial and help with understanding adults with learning disabilities

Resolved – a further meeting to be arranged for committee members to understand the housing strategy in more detail. This is likely to be on 8^th February 2024.

Due to time restraints and the committee overrunning the Chair decided to take item 12 before item 10 on the agenda.