Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Governance
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: Yes
Is subject to call in?: Yes
The award of specific grants for Housing Related Support, which will be funded through the Housing Related Support Programme (formerly Supporting People Programme), to the following organisations for the period of 12 months, 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022:
Longhurst Group (formerly Axiom Housing Association) – Hostel Accommodation and Drop-in Services
Cross Keys Homes – Hostel Accommodation
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough YMCA – Hostel Accommodation
Peterborough Women’s Aid – Refuge Service
Futures Housing Group – Hostel Accommodation
Home Group – Hostel Accommodation
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 Support is provided for vulnerable people, often with complex support needs either in an accommodation based setting, through drop-in support or through floating support provided by outreach workers. Our evidence shows that the Housing Related Supportprovided 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 continue during 2021/2022 including the potential for further joint commissioning of services with Cambridgeshire County Council in line with the Commissioning Strategy. The value for money and outcomes delivered by floating support are excellent and it is one model of support that both Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are considering expanding in the future, where possible.
None.
None.
Publication date: 07/01/2021
Date of decision: 07/01/2021
Effective from: 13/01/2021
Accompanying Documents: