Decision details

The Cabinet Member is recommended to:

(1)Award  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 2018 to 31 March 2019:

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

5)    Home Group (Stonham) – Hostel Accommodation - £73,375.20  and

6)    Genesis Housing Association – Hostel Accommodation - £58,066.56

(2)Award a specific grant for the provision of Housing Related Support to the following organisations for the period of 1 April 2018 to 31 August 2018

7)    Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire MIND Floating Support Service  - £8,889.00; and

8)    NACRO Storm Project – Floating Support - £14,666.80

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 full procurement has been rejected because currently 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 2018/2019 including the potential for further joint commissioning of support services with Cambridgeshire County Council.  The value for money and outcomes delivered by floating support are excellent. It is the model of support that both Cambridgeshire and Peterborough have been working towards, looking to move away from accommodation based supported housing.

None.

CMDN(FEB18/CMDN/90):  http://democracy.peterborough.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1430

Homelessness Strategy 2013 -2018