Gosport Borough Council Housing Board Meeting

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Councillor Ballard declared a personal interest in item 7 but felt that her role at Two Saints did not prevent her from Chairing the meeting.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting on 9 March 2022 be signed as a true and correct record.

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A question was received as follows:

Why are there no 1 bed properties being built by the Council when there is a significant demand for them and are the any plans for them?

Was answered as follows:

We recognise the demand for all types of housing in the borough, including one bedroom properties. We plan to build 3 x one bedroom DPU’s (disabled person units) in our initial tranche of development sites, and this work is underway. Future sites will also include one bedroom properties, where suitable.

RESOLVED: That Councillor Herridge was duly elected as Vice Chairman for the municipal year 2022-23

Consideration was given to a report by the Head of Housing that set out the findings of the public consultation on the draft Homelessness Review and draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy and Action Plan.

In answer to a Members question, the Head of Housing advised that two of the original sites had been excluded for various reasons including issues of parking availability. Officers would be working with Planning Policy to identify other more suitable sites.

Members were advised that there has been an increase in referrals following the introduction of the Duty to Refer and this allows the Housing Service more time to work with other agencies to plan alternative accommodation.

The Head of Housing advised that there was funding in place for 10 Housing First places and for joint funding to employ a mental Health Navigator to help support those with mental health needs.

In answer to Members questions, the Head of Housing explained that they couldn’t comment yet on what the alternatives may be put in place of the RAPS scheme as the appraisal has not been completed. Actions were in place in the strategy to help identify the solution. This may include private leasing schemes and looking at the throughput of the hostels.

Members were advised that there was a high demand for single person accommodation both in the private sector and on the Council waiting list, many of which were required to help support those with a history of mental health problems, offending, drug use and repeat homelessness. Officers would look to Hampshire County Council to provide support needs, and introduce initiatives through the new Mental Health Navigator.

The Head of Housing explained that there were plans to recruit a specific Homelessness Strategy Officer to help deliver the Action Plan. This was currently being considered and alternate funding from the Homelessness Prevention Fund being sought.

Members wished to thank the Head of Housing and all her team for an excellent report and all the hard work that had gone into it, and recognised the work that would now take place in order to deliver the Action Plan

RESOLVED: That the Board:

i)              Noted the consultation responses to the draft documents and proposed amendments to the draft Action Plan

ii)             Adopted the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy and Action Plan.

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