Issue - meetings

The Chief Executive advised that the report was for noting only and she had taken an urgent decision to vire £219,829 from the Housing & Homelessness Reserve to the revenue housing budget to fund a 10-bed space hostel with support for single homeless people and rough sleepers for 2023/24.

In response to questions from Members, the Director for Service Delivery advised that:

·         the cost of housing people in B&B accommodation would be less than providing the hostel but the residents would not have 24/7 support to  help them re-habilitate and find suitable long-term accommodation. 

·         the housing team worked with individuals at Pathways Yeovil and 16 clients had been found alternative long-term accommodation.

·         further hostel accommodation was being sought.

·         the current Pathways Yeovil accommodation was part-funded by housing benefit received by the residents and a 10 bed hostel would receive less housing benefit funding than the 30 bed hostel.

·         the Pathways Yeovil site was owned by Bournemouth Churches and they would look to redevelop the site as part of the Yeovil Refresh with hopefully a grant from Homes England. 

The Portfolio Holder for Housing thanked the Director and the Housing team for their consciousness in finding the accommodation which could be staffed 24/7 to support the residents. 

During discussion, several members voiced their support for the new hostel

The Vice-Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee confirmed they had supported the decision and felt that making the investment now would save money later.

At the conclusion of the debate, Members were content to note the urgent decision taken by the Chief Executive to protect the interest of the Council.