Issue - meetings

Background:

This report presented the draft Homelessness Prevention Strategy 2014 – 2016, which was attached at Appendix 1 to the report.

It was noted that the strategy responded to the requirements of the Homelessness Act 2002. It had been developed in a challenging climate and recognised that homelessness was a complex problem with multiple causes requiring flexible solutions and the delivery of innovative services in order to reach the increasing number of people affected.

The strategy therefore set out how Medway Council, in partnership with stakeholders, would tackle and prevent homelessness. It was noted that it would influence services that contributed to preventing homelessness, such as education and health, and that it would be regularly reviewed to ensure it remains relevant.

The report gave details of the consultation that had contributed to the development of the strategy and it was noted that a Diversity Impact Assessment had been undertaken, which was attached at Appendix 2 to the report. This had indicated that a full Diversity Impact Assessment was not necessary.

It was noted that the Business Support Overview and Scrutiny Committee had considered this report on 4 February 2014and details of the discussion and proposed revisions to the strategy were set out within the addendum report (included in Supplementary Agenda No. 3).

Reasons:

To comply with the requirement that the Council have a Homelessness Prevention Strategy, as set out within Section 1 of the Homelessness Act 2002.

The strategy and action plan have been developed in consultation with key stakeholders and priority actions have been identified to support the strategy.