Agenda item

The Cabinet Member for Housing presented the regular update report in respect of homelessness and rough sleepers in the District.  The report highlighted the service pressures, partnership working and funding received.  The report also highlighted the work undertaken by Change4Lincs, the outreach services, temporary accommodation levels and the continued focus on homelessness prevention.

During the winter period the Council in partnership with the Ark had again opened the Night Shelter. The shelter had opened on 10 November 2025 and had been accessed by 18 individuals whilst it had been open.  Of these 12 had been successfully supported into more permanent accommodation through collaborative partnership working between South Kesteven District Council and Living Concepts.  The cost of opening the Night Shelter had been £15,200, however if the Night Shelter had not been utilised the Council would have incurred approximately £27,000 in costs for nightly paid accommodation over the same period.  The use of the Night Shelter had therefore delivered a significant cost saving in addition to the housing outcomes achieved.

One Member asked if the costs around homelessness were increasing or decreasing.  The Head of Service, Housing stated that it was difficult to know until year end spending was known as it is a demand driven service.

Officers were thanked for including veteran numbers in the figures but a question was asked about whether any had been referred by the criminal justice system and whether any were homeless or on the streets.

The Head of Service, Housing stated that she would take the question away as she didn’t currently have the information to hand, as each were assessed on a case by case basis.

The Director of Housing and Projects indicated that people were signposted to additional information and support available.

Thanks were given to the work undertaken in respect of the Night Shelter with reference being made to the homeless problem in Skegness and the option of supplying pods for the homelessness.  The Head of Service, Housing stated that she was aware of the work being done in Skegness, however each area had different demands and when the temperatures rose there appeared to be less demand for accommodation like the Night Shelter, therefore it was felt that an all year provision would be less cost effective.   The homelessness team had to balance the needs of the individual against the budgets available and anything that was put in place had to be cost effective.  Further discussion followed in respect of those who were rough sleeping in tents and the complex needs that they had.  The Chairman advised the Member who was interested in topic to talk directly with the Head of Service, Housing.

A comment was made in respect of the number of local properties used for the national resettlement scheme and what pressures this put on the Council’s housing stock.  It was noted that this figure was not part of the report before Members  as the properties were managed by the Home Office and their collective contractors.  Therefore it was not a duty placed on the Council.

Members noted the report.