Response 3557573

Response to request for information

Reference

3557573

Response date

1 October 2024

Request

Information on:

1. Homeless Applications and Interim Accommodation
2. Temporary Accommodation Expenditure and Associated Costs
3. Protection of Personal Property for Homeless Applicants
4. Proactive Measures to Reduce Temporary Accommodation Costs
5. Utilisation of Empty Properties and Land
6. Comparative Models and Best Practices
7. Support Services for Individuals in Temporary Accommodation
8. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Complaints

Response

1. Homeless Applications and Interim Accommodation

   • This information is publicly available at Tables on homelessness - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

2. Temporary Accommodation Expenditure and Associated Costs
   • What has been the total expenditure on interim temporary accommodation (e.g., Travelodge, B&Bs) for homeless individuals over the past three financial years?

     Information already available on previous FOI reference 3501289 Rushcliffe - Disclosure Log

   • Please provide a breakdown of these costs by location, including the number of placements made outside the borough. What has been the total expenditure on affiliated costs such as storage, taxis, and other related services for individuals placed in temporary accommodation outside the borough over the past three financial years? £1203.20

   • Please provide details of these costs by category (e.g., storage, transportation, etc.) and location. Transport - £1203.20

3. Protection of Personal Property for Homeless Applicants
   • Over the past twelve months, how many homeless applicants have had their personal property protected by the local authority? April 2023 – March 2024 – 1
   • What is the average length of time that a homeless applicant’s personal property is stored by the local authority? – 3 months
   • What is the average cost of storing a homeless applicant’s personal property while they are in interim accommodation? - £1200
   • Under what circumstances does the local authority protect the personal property of homeless applicants?- In accordance with the Homelessness Code of Guidance. (as amended)
   • As part of the homeless application process, does the local authority expressly ask the homeless applicant whether they need their personal property protected? No

   • If not, please state the reasons why this question is not asked. Not required under Part 7 Housing Act 1996

   • - Please provide copies of the local authority’s policies regarding homeless applications. – Not applicable -  Homelessness applications are governed by Part 7 Housing Act 1996

   • Please provide a copy of the local authority’s policy regarding the protection of the personal property of homeless applicants - Not applicable
   • Please disclose a copy of the council's homeless procedures manual or policy document followed by housing solutions officers at its homeless service centres/homeless persons offices. – Not applicable

   • Over the past three years, how many complaints have been made by homeless applicants regarding the council’s failure to protect their personal property? 0

4. Proactive Measures to Reduce Temporary Accommodation Costs

   • What specific measures has the council taken to reduce the reliance on temporary accommodation outside the borough, such as Travelodge and B&Bs?

     - Increasing Permanent Housing Supply: Developing new affordable housing units through partnerships with housing associations or private developers.

     -  Providing additional support to individuals and families facing homelessness, such as financial assistance to access the PRS sector

     - Implementing early intervention programs to prevent homelessness before it occurs, including rent support and negotiation with landlords.

     - partnering with local organizations, charities, and social services to streamline resources and provide comprehensive support for those at risk of homelessness.

   • Has the council developed or initiated any programs to increase the availability of local temporary accommodation, particularly through the use of empty properties or land within the borough? If so, please provide details.

     We work closely with colleagues in Environmental Health to consider empty properties which could be used, however, none have been identified to date.

5. Utilisation of Empty Properties and Land

   • How many empty properties and parcels of land are currently owned by the council that could potentially be used for temporary accommodation? None

   • Has the council considered or initiated any compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) to acquire vacant properties for conversion into temporary accommodation? If so, please provide details, including the number of properties targeted, the outcome, and associated costs. We have a policy to consider this but none have been identified.

   • What steps has the council taken to encourage community/ non-profit groups or social enterprises to make use of disused land or buildings via adverse possession for temporary accommodation or support services? Please provide examples, if any. None

6. Comparative Models and Best Practices

   • Is the council aware of successful models such as Calderwood House in Cumbria, where an empty property (a former police station) was transformed into temporary accommodation and support services? If so, has the council explored similar initiatives within the borough? Please provide details of any discussions, plans, or actions taken. No

   • Has the council considered offering similar arrangements, such as a peppercorn rent, to community groups or social enterprises willing to repurpose empty properties for temporary accommodation or support services? If not, what are the reasons for not pursuing this option?

     No, we have sufficient temporary accommodation to meet families needs. In emergencies we use bed and breakfast for short stays.

7. Support Services for Individuals in Temporary Accommodation

   • What support services does the council currently provide for individuals placed in temporary accommodation outside the borough, particularly in terms of maintaining their connection to local support networks, healthcare providers, and other essential services?

     The statutory requirement to notify the receiving Local Authority (where Temporary Accommodation is) is undertaken in all cases. Officers continue to support individuals through their personal support plans even they are placed in Temporary Accommodation out of area.

   • Are there any programs in place to assist individuals in transitioning from temporary accommodation outside the borough to permanent housing within the borough? If so, please provide details on the nature of the support provided, outcomes, and costs.

     Any individuals placed in Temporary Accommodation outside of the borough will still be eligible for permanent rehousing as pat of the Council's ongoing homelessness duties. The Council always explores the use of temporary accommodation within the borough in the first instance but this is limited.

8. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Complaints

   • How does the council monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of its temporary accommodation placements, particularly those made outside the borough? Please provide any available data on the impact of these placements on residents, including any assessments of detriment or distress caused.

     We have regular budget meetings to review the financial aspects.

     We have a support officer who is based at the family hostel who manages the premises and provides management information regarding he operation and effectiveness of the accommodation. We also have customer satisfaction surveys.

   • Has the council conducted any cost-benefit analysis comparing the current expenditure on temporary accommodation outside the borough with potential savings from investing in local solutions (e.g., repurposing empty properties)? If so, please provide the findings.

     No cost benefit analysis undertaken although we monitor expenditure and income through regular monthly budget meetings. There are limited repurposing options within the borough.