Decision details

The Cabinet Member:

(1)   Awarded  specific grants for the funding of Housing Related Support, which will be funded through the Housing Related Support (formerly Supporting People) Programme, to the following organisations for the period of 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018:

1)    Axiom Housing Association – Hostel Accommodation and Drop-in Service - £530,000.04;

2)    Cross Keys Homes – Hostel Accommodation - £99,109.08;

3)    YMCA – Hostel Accommodation - £250,059.48;

4)    Peterborough & Fenland MIND Floating Support Service  - £21,333.60;

5)    Peterborough Woman’s Aid – Refuge Service - £60,205.68;

6)    NACRO Storm Project – Floating Support - £35,200.32; and

(2) Awarded a specific grant for the provision of Housing Related Support to the following organisations for the period of 1 April 2017 to 30 September 2017 with an option to extend for a further six months to 31 March 2018:

7)    Home Group (Stonham) – Hostel Accommodation - £36,687.60 per 6 month period; and

8)    Genesis Housing Association – Hostel Accommodation - £29,033.28 per 6 month period

The recommendations in this report will ensure that the continuity of Housing Related Support to some of the most vulnerable in society is achieved, whilst a longer term solution is explored.

Housing Related Supportis provided for vulnerable people, often with complex support needs either in an accommodation based setting, through drop in support workers or through floating support provided by outreach workers.  Our evidence shows that the Housing Related Support provided through the homeless hostels plays a significant role in helping to reduce homelessness in the city.  Drop in and floating support reaches hard to engage groups, assisting people with complex and entrenched needs, often living chaotic lifestyles. 

The Homelessness Act 2002 sets out the Council’s powers to meet the aims of the act and its duties towards homeless people.

Cut funding completely and stop the Housing Related Support.  Rejected due to the adverse impact on the provision of hostel provision and homeless prevention.

A procurement has been rejected because the budget provision is only confirmed annually for one year only.  Full exploration of the future provision of housing related support will take place during 2017/2018 including the potential for joint commissioning of support services with Cambridgeshire County Council.

None.

Cabinet Member Decision Notice APR12/CMDN/046

Medium Term Financial Strategy 2015/2016 – 2024/2025

Housing Strategy 2011 - 2015

Homelessness Strategy 2013 -2018