Skip to additional navigation Skip to content

Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy

South Nottinghamshire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2022- 2027

Index

Foreward

Introduction

Key Achievements

Context and Challenges

Strategic Aims

Making sure we deliver

Action Plan

 

Foreword

As the portfolio holders for Broxtowe Borough Council (BBC), Gedling Borough Council (GBC) and Rushcliffe Borough Council RBC) with responsibility for homelessness, we are pleased to be introducing the new South Nottinghamshire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy.

Over recent years, the Homelessness landscape has seen a number of significant changes and challenges, including new duties on Council’s and other public sector organisations to prevent and relieve homelessness. The introduction of the Homelessness Reduction Act and the Domestic Abuse Act have been positive steps in helping vulnerable groups, this has been set against a backdrop of other challenges, notably, Welfare Reform, Universal Credit and the COVID-19 pandemic.

More recently and particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increased emphasis on assisting rough sleepers and those at risk of rough sleeping with opportunities to provide specialist support and accommodation. Successful Rough Sleeper Initiatives and Rough Sleeper Accommodation Programme Services will continue to play a key role in ending rough sleeping.

We recognise the importance and benefits of effective partnerships in improving the wider health and wellbeing outcomes for homeless and vulnerable individuals. A key focus of this strategy will be the ongoing collaboration between stakeholders across South Nottinghamshire and Nottinghamshire as a whole. Successful partnership working between the Borough Councils, Nottinghamshire County Council, Registered Housing Providers, Public Health and Commissioned Service Providers, Voluntary, Charitable Agencies and Community Interest Companies will ensure a system wide approach to reducing homelessness and rough sleeping.

The strategy sets out 6 key strategic aims and contains an action plan that outlines how these will be delivered. Progress on the action plan will be reported to the Broxtowe Interagency Forum and reviewed on a quarterly basis. It will also be monitored through the respective governance arrangements.

We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the development of this Strategy and in particular the vital role of Partners, who continue to play an important role in delivering the strategic priorities within the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy.

Introduction

Housing is fundamental to the wellbeing of our residents, their families and our communities. Homelessness can affect anyone, whilst many people affected or who are threatened with homelessness will have family or social networks that are able to provide support, some do not and the statutory services provided by their local Council need to assist.

The Homelessness Act 2002 places a legal requirement on local authorities to undertake a review of homelessness within their area, and develop and publish a strategy to prevent homelessness, based on the findings of the review.

People can be defined as homeless if they have nowhere to stay and are living on the streets, they can also be considered homeless even if they have a roof over their head. People experiencing homelessness include those:

  • sleeping rough or sofa surfing
  • living in hostels or night shelters or other unsuitable temporary accommodation
  • squatting
  • at risk of violence or abuse
  • living in poor housing conditions that affects their health
  • living apart from family because they don’t have a place to live together
  • who cannot continue to occupy their current accommodation and have no other accommodation available to them.

The new South Nottinghamshire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2022- 2027 builds on the progress and outcomes from the previous Strategy 2017-2021. It recognises the changing national and local context which has brought and is likely to bring increased demand for services alongside unprecedented health and economic challenges. Within the appendices, the Review of Rough Sleeping across South Nottinghamshire shows the emerging challenges and trends that we are facing.

Since the previous strategy was launched, the government launched a national ’Rough Sleeping Strategy’ that set out the government’s intention to halve rough sleeping by 2022 and end it by 2027. We share this vision and priority and tackling rough sleeping is a key strategic objective of this strategy.

The previous Strategy (2017-21) focussed on effective service delivery to increase prevention opportunities to reduce the risk of crisis presentations that could make access to appropriate accommodation options difficult. Over the last 5 years the three Boroughs, in partnership with others within Nottinghamshire have responded positively to the challenges and additional duties posed by the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. This has been achieved by expanding and creating new pathways to services for the most vulnerable applicants, through the provision of specialist support and settled accommodation for vulnerable groups. This is an acknowledgement of the increase in complexity of cases and the number of individuals and families who present with multiple or complex needs. Improvements have also been made to services at the point of first contact so that early opportunities to prevent homelessness are maximised.

This strategy will continue to focus on early intervention, homeless prevention and strengthening pathways and partnerships. However, the additional challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic will require an increased and proactive focus to be placed on health and housing and providing mechanisms of support to those at risk of homelessness and rough sleeping within our communities and providing suitable and sustainable housing options to all those affected.

The Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has also provided and continues to provide increasing funding streams, either allocated or through bid submission, to invest in accommodation, prevention and support for those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness and/or rough sleepers or those at risk of rough sleeping. The South Nottinghamshire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy commits to using this funding in the most effective ways to ensure the best outcomes for clients and bring rough sleeping to an end.

Key Achievements

The three Councils have worked effectively to improve homelessness services over recent years, examples of these achievements are outlined below:

  • Successful implementation of the Homeless Reduction Act across all Boroughs.
  • Establishment of a South Nottinghamshire Winter Night Shelter at Elizabeth House in 19-20. Commitment to continuation of a winter provision during COVID-19 pandemic and further 13 individuals assisted in 2020-21.
  • Increasing units of supported accommodation within South Nottinghamshire with the expansion of Elizabeth House and through successful RSAP Funding bids in partnership with Framework with funding from the DLUHC. This alone will deliver 16 units of additional supported accommodation, targeted at rough sleepers.
  • Successful implementation of the Government’s Everyone In Scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to 55 rough sleepers being assisted off the streets in South Nottinghamshire.
  • Improved offers to Private Sector Landlords within South Nottinghamshire, including assistance with deposits, rent in advance and landlord incentives.
  • Successful continued partnership working and implementation of new initiatives through the Rough Sleeping Initiative funding, providing access to improved pathways for clients such as through the Homelessness Navigators and Call Before You Serve.
  • In partnership with Framework, the provision of a comprehensive Street Outreach Service to assist rough sleepers off the street.

Context and Challenges

The Homelessness landscape has seen a number of significant changes at both a national and local level.

The Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 introduced a number of new duties and a revised Code of Guidance. This included the extension of a period a household is ‘threatened with homelessness’ from 28 to 56 days, new duties to prevent and relieve homelessness for eligible applicants, a Personal Housing Plan to be agreed with applicants and a new ‘duty to refer’ for public services to notify a local authority if an individual may be homeless or at risk of homelessness.

The National Rough Sleeping Strategy (2018) sets out the aim to end rough sleeping by 2027. This strategy is structured around ‘3 Pillars’, which are commitments and actions surrounding:

  • Prevention – integrated working with partner agencies to identify those at risk of rough sleeping before crisis.
  • Intervention – a responsive outreach service to support rough sleepers to move off the streets and towards recovery and to identify new rough sleepers as quickly as possible.
  • Recovery – support for individuals to find and sustain stable accommodation and to meet wider support needs.

Unintended consequences and effects brought about by the Welfare Reform Act 2012, which introduced changes in many established benefits and introduced Universal Credit. This has created difficulties in vulnerable groups accessing the benefits system and gaining assistance with their housing costs.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a key role in shaping the national and local context of homelessness since 2020 and has as well brought to the fore the needs and vulnerabilities of rough sleepers.

There are two relevant national policies and approaches introduced in response to the pandemic to target individuals rough sleeping or at risk of rough sleeping. These are the ‘Everyone In’ initiative and the ‘Next Steps’ Accommodation Proposal (NSAP), now renamed Rough Sleeper Accommodation Programme (RSAP) 2021-24.

The ‘Everyone In’ initiative announced in March 2020 aimed to provide safe and self-contained accommodation for those sleeping rough. This was in response to the national COVID-19 lockdown and in recognition that rough sleepers were more vulnerable due to longer term and complex health issues. In response, each Council was required to provide emergency accommodation and a move on plan detailing how the rough sleepers accommodated were going to be accommodated permanently.

The NSAP scheme was launched in July 2020. Funding has been available to Council’s to submit bids for from the DLUHC with the aim of continuing to provide accommodation for vulnerable people, including rough sleepers and to help those groups to obtain suitable long term accommodation options. Funding was available for both Capital and Revenue projects, based on local need, to provide accommodation and support to this client group. The three Councils have been successful in securing £311,000 funding as part of the NSAP initiative in year 2020-21 to secure 7 units of accommodation with support across South Nottinghamshire and secured another £450,000 funding as part of the subsequent RSAP initiative in year 2021-22 to secure a further 6 units of accommodation with support. This much needed resources will make a significant difference to those individuals that are rough sleeping or at risk of rough sleeping in South Nottinghamshire.

Another COVID-19 emergency policy response that will have an emerging effect on housing advice and homelessness services in the short to medium term will be the moratorium on evictions. The moratorium has run for in excess of 12 months during 2020 and 2021. This has meant that primarily rental evictions (and some other evictions) from social and private landlords have not been able to proceed during this period. The moratorium was lifted in May 2021 and is likely to have led to increasing household debts and created further uncertainty and insecurity of tenure.

Other consequences of COVID-19 that could have an emerging impact on homelessness include the ‘furlough’ scheme and the potential increase in unemployment which is likely to lead to an increase in demand for our services.

An analysis of the data surrounding the current homelessness situation and challenges are summarised in Appendix 1.

The COVID-19 legacy issues are likely to compound the existing challenges faced by individuals already in precarious housing situations as well as statutory and third sector organisations managing finite resources. Following a review of the previous Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2017-21 and the current homelessness issues, the key challenges faced in South Nottinghamshire are summarised below.

Increasing numbers of households seeking assistance

We expect to see increasing demand for housing advice, homelessness assistance and requests for support over the coming years, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated challenges. We aim to ensure services are accessible and our strong relationship with partners will enable us to develop joined up pathways as well as maximise resources and avoid duplication of effort.

Increasing numbers of individuals with complex needs and who are at risk of rough sleeping

Mirroring the national picture, South Nottinghamshire’s rough sleeping figures have seen a small increase. The successful DLUHC funded initiatives have been key in reducing rough sleeping and sustaining accommodation. The three partner Council’s jointly access the Rough Sleeping Initiative (RSI) commissioned services, which incorporates Framework Street Outreach, providing comprehensive outreach services to rough sleepers to access accommodation and/or support services.

In addition, the RSI commission Change, Grow, Live (CGL) to provide specialist addiction services, physical health, mental health and social work services and also has a range of specialist “Navigator” posts based in hospitals, prisons and within the community to support those at risk of homelessness.

Despite the services provided, rough sleeping remains on our streets and we acknowledge that there will be an additional 'hidden' (for example, 'sofa surfing') homeless population that are at risk of rough sleeping.

The three Borough’s remain committed to ending rough sleeping across South Nottinghamshire.

RSI services are detailed and summarised in Appendix 2.

Meeting the needs of individuals with complex and/or multiple support needs

Homelessness is not just a housing issue and many homeless people have complex needs which require a varied and tolerant approach. We aim to continue to work with partners to forge strong working relationships to deliver a bespoke and effective package of support, advice and accommodation to clients to ensure they get the help and support that they need.

We will look to build upon the health and social care partnerships strengthened during the COVID-19 response, to ensure a holistic response to tackling common challenges. We will also aim to continue to build partnerships with other key partners such as CGL, the probation and criminal justice agencies, domestic abuse services, asylum and refugee support services as well as services assisting in access to housing, via local registered providers.

Lack of affordable, suitable and quality settled accommodation

There is an ever-increasing demand for social housing and supply outstrips demand. People are waiting longer for accommodation without the certainty of being allocated a property to meet their needs. The lack of settled affordable accommodation can mean households put their lives on hold or in some instances, are placed in temporary accommodation whilst waiting for suitable accommodation to be found. This accommodation can often be in the form of hotel accommodation.

Previously the three Boroughs had been able to access accommodation within the private rented sector, but as competition of rental properties increases, landlords routinely increase their rents. This means that many areas of Nottinghamshire are seeing rents far in excess of the Local Housing Allowance (LHA). This makes it increasingly a less viable solution.

Delivering the Strategy

The South Nottinghamshire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy went out for public consultation between October and December 2021. The consultation methodology, responses and outcomes can be found in Appendix B.

Strategic aims

Based on the key challenges, the strategy has been summarised into 6 strategic aims.

  1. Early intervention through effective partnership working.
  2. The provision of an accessible, agile and responsive homelessness service.
  3. Access to affordable and quality accommodation across all sectors.
  4. Tackle rough sleeping by developing and improving pathways.
  5. Linking health, well-being and housing together to improve the life chances and aspirations of those affected.
  6. Delivering long term support solutions to sustain tenancies for the most vulnerable.

Making sure we deliver

The South Nottinghamshire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy has been developed in consultation with the South Nottinghamshire Inter Agency Homelessness Forum, consisting of a wide range of statutory and voluntary agencies involved in providing homelessness services.

The RSI commissioned services have recently been subject to an external evaluation by the University of Lincoln. This has identified a number of key action points which will be incorporated as action plan targets in the new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy.

The action plan will be progressed, reviewed and updated in consultation with the forum annually to measure progress. The action plan will also take account of any legislative changes that may arise.

The South Nottinghamshire Inter Agency Forum will be responsible for the monitoring and review of the action plan having regard to legislative and good practice changes that may arise during the lifetime of the strategy. An annual report will also be provided to each of the partner Councils and the DLUHC.

Action Plan

Early intervention through effective partnership working

Early intervention through effective partnership working
Strategy Action
How it will be implemented
Type of Objective
Responsible Target Date
Continuing to develop the partnership working around homelessness with Nottinghamshire County Council The three Councils will continue to engage positively with partnership meetings such as the Housing Sub Group to improve and coordinate agency responses across South Nottinghamshire and Nottinghamshire as a whole Prevention BBC, GBC, RBC, Nottinghamshire County Council 2022-23 ongoing
Work in partnership across the three Councils and with partner agencies to help to educate young people around the risks and implications of homelessness Continue work with partners like Broxtowe Youth Homelessness to develop and provide support in local schools and in the communities to young people Prevention BBC, GBC, RBC, Broxtowe Youth Homelessness 2022-23 ongoing
Strengthening links with key partner agencies to improve help and assistance to vulnerable households Involve and work with agencies such as the Police, Community Safety Partnerships and other community and outreach services to ensure appropriate advice and support is given and appropriate referral pathways are used Prevention BBC, GBC, RBC, statutory partners 2022-23 ongoing
Ensuring that we are maximising all potential accommodation options Ensure that the three Councils are using their forums to share knowledge and referral pathways to all providers who are working with vulnerable groups and communities within South Nottinghamshire Intervention BBC, GBC, RBC 2022-23 ongoing
Ensure that links with Registered Social Landlords are strengthened Improve links with Registered Social Landlords operating within South Nottinghamshire surrounding potentially homeless clients that they are looking to evict, to improve early intervention Prevention BBC, GBC, RBC, RSL’s in South Notts 2023-24 ongoing
Maximise the funding available to assist homeless clients

Ensure that DLUHC funding is applied for through bids to ensure that there is a supply of accommodation that meets the needs of clients in South Nottinghamshire.

Particularly the continuation to year 5 of the RSI funding and its associated service.

Prevention, Intervention, Recovery BBC, GBC, RBC, RSI services 2022-23 ongoing

 

The provision of an accessible, agile and responsive homelessness service

Provision of an accessible, agile and responsive homelessness service
Strategy Action
How it will be implemented
Type of Objective
Responsible Target Date
All three Councils continue to develop and improve prevention options The three Councils will continue to review data and trends within their Borough and clients and explore with partners new approaches to homelessness prevention Prevention, Intervention, Recovery BBC, GBC, RBC 2022-23 ongoing
Ensuring that homelessness data is analysed to inform quality and targeted service delivery Analyse and review data collected to identify trends and discuss between Boroughs to inform future service delivery Prevention, Intervention, Recovery BBC, GBC, RBC 2023-24
Ensuring that those accessing the service receive a quality service that provides clients with the best options and advice

Annual review of staff training and knowledge undertaken to ensure staff are well equipped to undertake their roles

Development of robust quality assurance frameworks within Housing Options teams, seeking the views of service users, to ensure quality service delivery and shape the future service

Ensure that peer reviews and good practice that is being used in other areas is being considered or implemented within South Nottinghamshire

Prevention, Intervention, Recovery BBC, GBC, RBC 2023-24
Ensuring that homeless clients are able to access housing options and advice services Review the service access and customer journeys within the Boroughs to ensure that clients are able to access services and are able to access them in a variety of ways, including the perspective of the service user Prevention, Intervention, Recovery BBC, GBC, RBC 2023-24
Publicise outcomes achieved in tackling homelessness, and publicising the support that is available

Provide annual updates on the strategy

Use social media and other media to publicise partnership work and positive outcomes

Prevention, Intervention, Recovery BBC, GBC, RBC 2022-23 ongoing

 

Access to affordable and quality accommodation across all sectors

Access to affordable and quality accommodation across all sectors
Strategy Action
How it will be implemented
Type of Objective
Responsible Target Date
Ensure homeless applicants are being appropriately prioritised using the social housing allocations schemes Review allocations policies within the three Council areas to ensure that the prioritisation of applicants is fair and appropriate Prevention, Recovery BBC, GBC, RBC 2023-24
Ensure that homeless clients are assisted and are enabled to access suitable accommodation in the private sector Review private rented sector incentives and monitor effectiveness, looking for new incentives or opportunities Prevention, Recovery BBC, GBC, RBC 2023-24
Improving availability of suitable supported accommodation with South Nottinghamshire Consider establishing a “Housing First” scheme is appropriate within South Nottinghamshire Intervention, Recovery BBC, GBC, RBC 2023-24
Enable access to suitable social housing for homeless clients

Improve the links that Housing Options teams in South Nottinghamshire have with their Choice Based Lettings(CBL) service and look to establish social landlord forums to discuss maximisation of social housing being made available to Councils

Build on the strength of the first two rounds of RSAP funding which will deliver an additional 13 units, continue to seek and successfully bid for additional funding for supported accommodation.

Prevention, Intervention, Recovery BBC, GBC, RBC, RSL’s in South Notts 2023-24
Ensure that the temporary accommodation offered in South Nottinghamshire is of a high standard Improving the quality of temporary accommodation offered to homeless clients, minimising the use of bed and breakfast accommodation where possible Intervention, Recovery BBC, GBC, RBC 2023-24
Work to bring empty properties throughout South Nottinghamshire into use Consult with Private Sector Housing Teams to identify empty properties and working with Registered Providers to bring them back into use where appropriate for use for housing vulnerable people Intervention, Recovery BBC, GBC, RBC 2022-23 ongoing

 

Tackle rough sleeping by developing and improving pathways

Tackle rough sleeping by developing and improving pathways
Strategy Action
How it will be implemented
Type of Objective
Responsible Target Date
Improving accommodation options for rough sleepers

Increase amount of accommodation with support available within South Nottinghamshire that is targeted at rough sleepers through RSAP and other funding mechanisms

13 units so far via this initiative, in addition to winter provision

Intervention, Recovery BBC, GBC, RBC 2022-23 ongoing
Ensure effective partnerships are built and maintained to tackle rough sleeping and known rough sleepers Establish and maintain Rough Sleeper Action Groups within South Nottinghamshire to share information and develop strategies towards rough sleeping Intervention, Recovery BBC, GBC, RBC, rough sleeper navigator 2022-23 ongoing
Ensure a rapid response to rough sleeping reports across South Nottinghamshire To work closely with Framework Street Outreach to identify rough sleepers, to offer support to them and try to engage with them positively around accessing support Intervention, Recovery BBC, GBC, RBC, frameworks street outreach 2022-23 ongoing
Ensure that support is offered or provided to rough sleepers and those at risk of rough sleeping

Work with the services provided through the RSI, gain a greater understanding of what barriers there are for engagement with rough sleepers and what support can be provided particularly for entrenched rough sleepers with complex needs

Look to create action plans for known rough sleepers using Rough Sleeper Action Groups

Seek out good practice and involve specialist officers where appropriate to tackle entrenched rough sleepers

Intervention, Recovery BBC, GBC, RBC, all RSI services 2023-24
Groups that are known to be at greater risk of rough sleeping are given improved pathways to access support Working to improve protocols regarding those clients that are at greater risk of rough sleeping or for whose homelessness is difficult to prevent. Particularly those being released from prison, leaving care or discharged from hospital Intervention, Recovery BBC, GBC, RBC, RSI services, statutory partner agencies 2023-24
In times of severe weather, all efforts are made to ensure nobody is sleeping rough in South Nottinghamshire An agreed South Nottinghamshire protocol is maintained regarding Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) and a commitment to ensuring those sleeping rough are accommodated for the severe weather period Intervention, Recovery BBC, GBC, RBC 2022-23 ongoing

 

Linking health, well-being and housing together to improve the life chances and aspirations of those affected

Linking health, well-being and housing together
Strategy Action
How it will be implemented
Type of Objective
Responsible Target Date
Ensure that the Domestic Abuse Act is fully implemented across South Nottinghamshire

Ensure that policies and procedures are amended to ensure that the new act is being implemented correctly

Work with Nottinghamshire County Council to ensure the improvement of domestic abuse services across Nottinghamshire through the Local Partnership Board and contributing to the new County wide commissioning proposal

Prevention, Intervention, Recovery BBC, GBC, RBC, Nottinghamshire County Council 2022-23 ongoing
Ensure the health implications of homelessness within South Nottinghamshire are understood and are part of our strategic and operational approach Improve and enhance the work undertaken with partner agencies to acknowledge and improve the health and wellbeing of homeless clients in South Nottinghamshire Recovery BBC, GBC, RBC 2022-23 ongoing
Ensure effective links are built and maintained between Housing Options Teams and health and social care teams Build on partnerships built through the Housing sub-group of the Local Authority cell to give South Nottinghamshire direct access to services and commissioners or services to help shape services to local people Prevention, Intervention, Recovery BBC, GBC, RBC 2022-23 ongoing
Ensure that support needs are identified in all homeless households Review risk assessment and application processes to ensure that these are being picked up and suitable onward referrals are being made Prevention, Intervention, Recovery BBC, GBC, RBC 2023-24

 

Delivering long term support solutions to sustain tenancies for the most vulnerable

Delivering long term support solutions to sustain tenancies for the most vulnerable
Strategy Action
How it will be implemented
Type of Objective
Responsible Target Date
Ensuring that clients that are moving on from supported accommodation are not at a disproportionately high risk of tenancy failure Work with supported accommodation providers on processes surrounding move on assessments to ensure that providers of accommodation are aware of any potential tenancy sustainment risks Prevention, Intervention, Recovery BBC, GBC, RBC 2023-24
Ensure that clients are supported to overcome housing related difficulties that threaten homelessness and can lead to rough sleeping Work closely with Framework to maximise and ensure effective usage of the Prevention and Resettlement service Prevention BBC, GBC, RBC, Framework 2022-23 ongoing
Develop new and innovative approaches to sustaining tenancies and preventing homelessness

Continue usage of support mechanisms such as prevention funds to ensure that clients are able to access or sustain their accommodation

Consider usage of mediation services to work with families or landlords to prevent homelessness and sustain accommodation

Prevention, Recovery BBC, GBC, RBC 2022-23 ongoing
Ensuring the effective support to is provided to clients in the procured RSAP units Review support mechanisms provided during the initial phase, identifying and providing improvements where necessary Recovery BBC, GBC, RBC, Framework 2023-25

 

BBC- Broxtowe Borough Council.

GBC- Gedling Borough Council RBC- Rushcliffe Borough Council.

RSL – Registered Social Landlord. A Registered Social Landlord is an organisation that provides social and affordable housing. Generally comprised of housing associations that are non-profit making but are independent from state ownership of local authority control.

RSI – Rough Sleeper Initiative – Services provided to assist in prevention, intervention and recovery of homelessness through Government funding following successful bids.

DLUHC – Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.


Appendix 1

South Nottinghamshire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy – Review of Homelessness

The strategy is based on a review of homelessness in South Nottinghamshire. This review was undertaken in summer 2021. The review looks at the last three fiscal years, as a relevant comparison and data set for review because of the changes in the reporting requirements following the introduction of the Homelessness Reduction Act.

The purpose of the review is:

  1. Examine current levels of homelessness and housing using available statistical data. This includes a review of the levels of homelessness across South Nottinghamshire, a breakdown of the causes of homelessness and the households that become homeless and to consider if certain groups or types of household are at higher risk of homelessness or require specific intervention and to review the accommodation levels of offers available.
  2. Review the current services and support available within the area and resources available to assist the Councils and its partners to prevent and relieve homelessness.
  3. Having reviewed these two areas, identify service gaps and potential weaknesses in the services provided and that are currently available, as well as estimating what homelessness pressures there may be in the coming years.

 

These findings will inform the South Nottinghamshire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy and Action Plan 2022-2027.

Key Findings

An analysis of the last three years, which is used comparatively and to establish trends, shows how the three Boroughs have responded to the Homeless Reduction Act in terms of the new duties that this introduced.

It is necessary to provide context that figures in 2020-21 are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and therefore analysis of certain data in this year needs to take account of the context and challenges that this brought about, which are outlined in the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy document.

The key findings of the review are:

  • The number of households being assessed in the three Boroughs is declining. The number in the 2020-21 was a significant decrease, but this can be largely discounted because of a number of wider factors relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and response, these are outlined in the strategy.
  • Applicants that are assessed are predominantly owed a Prevention Duty. This would be consistent with what would be expected in accordance with the Homeless Reduction Act.
  • The number of households that are being assessed as having no duty has decreased significantly since 2018-19 as a proportion of the overall figure of households assessed. This would be an explanation for a decreasing trend in the number of households assessed.
  • The main reasons for homelessness, in terms of the loss of the last settled accommodation, is consistently family and friends are no longer able to accommodate. This is followed by a Private Rented Sector tenancy coming to an end, which is prevalent in the figures for the applicants owed a Prevention Duty.
  • There has been a general trend of an increase in the prevalence of Domestic Abuse, both affecting support needs and in terms of accommodation loss.
  • The most prevalent household type facing homelessness is consistently single adult males, particularly in the Relief Duty. Although, there is a significant number of single females and single females with children facing homelessness, particularly in the Prevention Duty.
  • Support needs that surround the need to access or requirements for mental health support shows a high prevalence, the highest of all the support need measures across the three Boroughs.
  • Homelessness is an issue that predominantly affects younger people within South Nottinghamshire. Consistently over half of people assessed have a main applicant that is under 35 years old. There is also a high prevalence of support needs for younger adults in managing independently.
  • The majority of homeless applicants are either registered unemployed, unable to work or are not seeking work.
  • Rough sleeper figures are consistent across South Nottinghamshire, with between 3 and 5 being recorded at the Snapshot over the last three years. There is further context surrounding rough sleeping and the “Everyone In” and COVID response measures captured in the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy and Action Plan.
  • The waiting list data shows that there are significant numbers of people across South Nottinghamshire that are seeking and waiting for a social housing tenancy.
  • The number of lets through the Boroughs’ waiting lists is showing significant decline, these are lets for all reasons not just homeless applicants. Over the last 3 years there has been a reduction of around 30%. The demands on the housing options services of the three Boroughs is not showing the same trend. This leads to service pressures.

Homelessness Statistics in South Nottinghamshire

Statistics - 2018-19

Statistics - 2019-20

Statistics - 2020-21

Homelessness Statistics in South Nottinghamshire 2018-19

Homelessness summary by Borough in 2018-19

Homelessness Summary by Borough 2018-19
Indicator Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
Households assessed 368 414 389
Households owed a duty 353 360 324
Households owed the prevention duty 244 223 261
Households owed the relief duty 109 137 63
Households owed no duty 15 54 65

 

Reason for loss of last settled home for household owed a Prevention Duty

Reason for loss of last settled home for household owed a Prevention Duty
Accommodation tenure
Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
Family or friends no longer willing or able to accommodate 62 45 59
End of private rented tenancy – assured shorthold 109 89 78
Domestic Abuse 8 9 21
Non-violent relationship breakdown with partner 24 13 36
End of social rented tenancy 2 1 10
Eviction from supported housing 3 4 7
End of private rented tenancy – not assured shorthold 3 5 6
Other violence and harassment 4 4 6
Left institution with no accommodation available 2 0 1
Required to leave accommodation provided by home office as asylum support 3 1 0
Other reasons/not known 24 52 37

 

Reason for loss of last settled home for household owed a Relief duty

Reason for loss of last settled home for household owed a Relief duty
Accommodation tenure
Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
Family or friends no longer willing or able to accommodate 35 39 17
End of private rented tenancy – assured shorthold 12 11 6
Domestic Abuse 10 22 9
Non-violent relationship breakdown with partner 12 19 4
End of social rented tenancy 6 4 5
Eviction from supported housing 5 4 4
End of private rented tenancy – not assured shorthold 0 3 1
Other violence and harassment 4 3 3
Left institution with no accommodation available 1 2 1
Required to leave accommodation provided by home office as asylum support 0 0 0
Other reason/not known 24 30 13

 

Accommodation at time of application for those owed a Prevention duty

Accommodation at time of application for those owed a Prevention duty
Accommodation Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
Private rented sector 107 126 105
Living with a family 79 62 79
No fixed abode 0 0 0
Social rented sector 9 8 31
Living with friends 29 9 23
Homeless on departure from institution 1 2 4
Rough sleeping 0 0 0
Owner Occupier /Shared Ownership 7 6 7
Temporary accommodation 1 1 1
National Asylum Seeker Support Accommodation 3 0 1
Refuge 5 1 2
Other/not known 3 8 8

 

Household type of households owed a Prevention duty

Household type of households owed a Prevention duty
Household Type
Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
Single parent with dependent children - Male 8 3 7
Single parent with dependent children - Female 66 73 83
Single parent with dependent children - Other 0 0 0
Single adult - Male 69 51 79
Single adult - Female 44 44 48
Single adult - Other 0 0 0
Couple with dependent children 28 29 21
Couple/two adults without dependent children 21 19 17
Three or more adults with dependent children 5 3 3
Three or more adults without dependent children 3 1 3
Other/not known 0 0 0

 

Ethnicity of main applicants owed a Prevention or a Relief duty

Ethnicity of main applicants owed a prevention or a relief duty
Ethnicity Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
White 302 301 263
Black/African/Caribbean /Black British 21 13 12
Asian/Asian British 6 7 10
Mixed/Multiple ethnic groups 7 14 10
Other ethnic groups 10 9 9
Not known 6 14 20

 

Support needs of households owed a Prevention or Relief duty

Support needs of households owed a Prevention or Relief duty
Support Needs
Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
History of mental health problems 49 60 60
Physical ill health and disability 23 38 43
At risk of/has experienced domestic abuse 18 8 32
Offending history 15 7 6
History of repeat homelessness 8 0 2
Drug dependency needs 6 2 6
History of rough sleeping 1 2 2
Alcohol dependency needs 13 8 12
Learning disability 15 12 6
Young person aged 18- 25 years requiring support to manage independently 14 1 21
Access to education, employment or training 3 0 3
At risk of/has experienced abuse (non-domestic abuse) 3 0 4
At risk of/has experienced sexual abuse/exploitation 2 5 4
Old age 0 0 4
Care leaver aged 21+ years 4 4 2
Care leaver aged 18-20 years 3 9 2
Care leaver aged 16-17 years 1 0 5
Young parent requiring support to manage independently 0 0 2
Former asylum seeker 1 0 2
Served in HM forces 2 0 0

 

Age if main applicants owed a Prevention or Relief duty

Age if main applicants owed a Prevention or Relief duty
Age Band Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
16-17 0 0 5
18-24 83 89 73
25-34 107 117 94
35-44 82 69 67
45-54 49 49 46
55-64 28 21 23
65-74 3 12 8
75+ 1 3 8

 

Accommodation at time of application for those owed a Relief duty

Accommodation at time of application for those owed a Relief duty
Accommodation Tenure
Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
Private Rented Sector 10 9 1
Living with family 28 32 8
No fixed abode 41 57 27
Social Rented Sector 5 4 4
Living with friends 6 15 3
Homeless on Departure from Institution 6 1 2
Rough sleeping 6 4 5
Owner Occupier/Shared Ownership 0 2 0
Temporary accommodation 3 1 3
National Asylum Seeker Support Accommodation 0 0 0
Refuge 5 3 7
Other/not known 1 9 3

 

Household type of households owed a Relief duty

Household type of households owed a Relief duty
Household Type Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
Single parent with dependent children - Male 5 2 2
Single parent with dependent children - Female 22 43 20
Single parent with dependent children - Other 0 0 0
Single adult - Male 52 52 26
Single adult - Female 17 29 10
Single adult - Other 0 0 0
Couple with dependent children 9 5 2
Couple/two adults without dependent children 4 4 2
Three or more adults with dependent children 0 2 1
Three or more adults without dependent children 0 0 0
Other/not known 0 0 0

 

Employment status of main applicants owed a duty

Employment status of main applicants owed a duty
Employment Status
Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
Registered unemployed 101 82 26
Not working due to illness/disability 41 61 86
Full time work 63 47 63
Part time work 52 55 50
Not seeking work/at home 57 55 40
Not registered unemployed but seeking work 16 14 20
Retired 2 16 15
Student/training 5 2 5
Other 12 16 6
Not know 4 12 16

 

Homelessness Statistics in South Nottinghamshire 2019-20

Homelessness summary by Borough in 2019-20

Homelessness Sumary by Borough 2019-20
Indicator Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
Households assessed 327 382 301
Households owed a duty 323 364 285
Households owed the prevention duty 257 241 235
Households owed the relief duty 66 123 50
Households owed no duty 4 18 16

 

Reason for loss of last settled home for household owed a Prevention Duty

Reason for loss of last settled home for household owed a Prevention Duty
Accommodation Tenure
Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
Family or friends no longer willing or able to accommodate 70 50 56
End of private rented tenancy – assured shorthold 78 76 50
Domestic abuse 18 19 18
Non-violent relationship breakdown with partner 34 25 43
End of social rented tenancy 4 4 10
Eviction from supported housing 5 5 1
End of private rented tenancy – not assured shorthold 0 0 7
Other violence and harassment 4 4 8
Left institution with no accommodation available 0 0 0
Required to leave accommodation provided by home office as asylum support 2 0 1
Other reasons/not known 42 58 41

 

Reason for loss of last settled home for household owed a Relief duty

Reason for loss of last settled home for household owed a Relief duty
Accommodation Tenure Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
Family or friends no longer willing or able to accommodate 12 30 14
End of private rented tenancy – assured shorthold 7 13 6
Domestic abuse 13 33 11
Non-violent relationship breakdown with partner 8 10 5
End of social rented tenancy 6 2 2
Eviction from supported housing 5 3 3
End of private rented tenancy – not assured shorthold 0 0 0
Other violence and harassment 1 3 4
Left institution with no accommodation available 0 1 0
Required to leave accommodation provided by home office as asylum support 1 1 0
Other reasons/not known 13 27 5

 

Accommodation at time of application for those owed a Prevention duty

Accommodation at time of application for those owed a Prevention duty
Accommodation Tenure Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
Private Rented Sector 72 113 75
Living with family 103 73 74
No fixed abode 0 0 0
Social Rented Sector 12 23 24
Living with friends 45 15 35
Homeless on departure from institution 6 0 6
Rough sleeping 0 0 0
Owner Occupier/Shared Ownership 4 5 6
Temporary accommodation 2 0 1
National Asylum Seeker Support Accommodation 1 0 0
Refuge 0 0 1
Other/not known 12 12 13

 

Household type of households owed a Prevention duty

Household type of households owed a Prevention duty
Household Type
Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
Single parent with dependent children - Male 10 7 8
Single parent with dependent children - Female 66 79 62
Single parent with dependent children - Other 0 0 0
Single adult - Male 90 55 78
Single adult - Female 51 48 46
Single adult - Other 0 0 0
Couple with dependent children 18 27 13
Couple/two adults without dependent children 16 15 23
Three or more adults with dependent children 4 3 2
Three or more adults without dependent children 2 7 3
Other/not known 0 0 0

 

Ethnicity of main applicants owed a Prevention or a Relief duty

Ethnicity of main applicants owed a prevention or a relief duty
Ethnicity Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
White 280 312 245
Black/African/Caribbean /Black British 13 10 6
Asian/Asian British 8 10 10
Mixed/Multiple ethnic groups 10 15 4
Other ethnic groups 4 9 3
Not known 6 8 16

 

Support needs of households owed a Prevention or Relief duty

Support needs of households owed a Prevention or Relief duty
Support Needs
Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
History of mental health problems 65 81 70
Physical ill health and disability 33 34 26
At risk of/has experienced domestic abuse 27 32 29
Offending history 8 6 11
History of repeat homelessness 3 2 5
Drug dependency needs 15 4 9
History of rough sleeping 3 2 4
Alcohol dependency needs 13 4 7
Learning disability 14 12 11
Young person aged 18- 25 years requiring support to manage independently 22 3 11
Access to education, employment or training 5 0 0
At risk of/has experienced abuse (non-domestic abuse) 5 6 6
At risk of/has experienced sexual abuse/exploitation 3 1 5
Old Age 4 0 3
Care leaver aged 21+ years 1 6 1
Care leaver aged 18-20 years 5 4 2
Care leaver aged 16-17 years 1 0 3
Young parent requiring support to manage independently 6 1 2
Former asylum seeker 2 1 0
Served in HM forces 2 2 1

 

Age if main applicants owed a Prevention or Relief duty

Age if main applicants owed a Prevention or Relief duty
Age Band Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
16-17 0 0 3
18-24 75 99 66
25-34 94 114 88
35-44 93 64 48
45-54 41 45 40
55-64 15 30 23
65-74 2 7 11
75+ 3 5 6

 

Accommodation at time of application for those owed a Relief duty

Accommodation at time of application for those owed a Relief duty
Accommodation Tenure Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
Private Rented Sector 1 8 1
Living with family 12 33 10
No fixed abode 18 24 20
Social Rented Sector 5 11 3
Living with friends 7 13 1
Homeless on departure from institution 8 4 1
Rough sleeping 7 5 4
Owner Occupier/Shared Ownership 0 3 2
Temporary accommodation 4 1 1
National Asylum Seeker Support Accommodation 1 1 0
Refuge 2 9 5
Other/not known 1 11 2

 

Household type of households owed a Relief duty

Household type of households owed a Relief duty
Household Type
Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
Single parent with dependent children - Male 0 3 0
Single parent with dependent children - Female 16 47 13
Single parent with dependent children - Other 0 0 0
Single adult - Male 29 33 21
Single adult - Female 17 30 8
Single adult - Other 0 0 0
Couple with dependent children 0 5 3
Couple without/two adults dependent children 2 4 5
Three or more adults with dependent children 2 1 0
Three or more adults without dependent children 0 0 0
Other/not know 0 0 0

 

Employment status of main applicants owed a duty

Employment status of main applicants owed a duty
Employment Status
Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
Registered unemployed 144 86 36
Not working due to illness/disability 15 51 48
Full time work 59 60 59
Part time work 37 45 42
Not seeking work/at home 43 44 54
Not registered unemployed but seeking work 4 13 7
Retired 5 13 14
Student/training 3 2 3
Other 8 13 12
Not known 5 37 10

 

Homelessness Statistics in South Nottinghamshire 2020-21

Homelessness summary by Borough in 2020-21

Homelessness Sumary by Borough 2020-21
Indicator Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
Households assessed 219 220 169
Households owed a duty 208 201 160
Households owed the prevention duty 145 101 93
Households owed the relief duty 63 100 67
Households owed no duty 11 19 9

 

Reason for loss of last settled home for household owed a Prevention Duty

Reason for loss of last settled home for household owed a Prevention Duty
Accommodation Tenure
Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
Family or friends no longer willing or able to accommodate 62 29 22
End of private rented tenancy – assured shorthold 34 28 23
Domestic abuse 12 1 7
Non-violent relationship breakdown with partner 17 13 15
End of social rented tenancy 1 1 1
Eviction from supported housing 1 2 2
End of private rented tenancy – not assured shorthold 0 2 0
Other violence and harassment 0 2 7
Left institution with no accommodation available 2 0 0
Required to leave accommodation provided by home office as asylum support 0 0 0
Other reasons/not known 13 23 16

 

Reason for loss of last settled home for household owed a Relief duty

Reason for loss of last settled home for household owed a Relief duty
Accommodation Tenure
Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
Family or friends no longer willing or able to accommodate 16 37 18
End of private rented tenancy – assured shorthold 8 4 4
Domestic abuse 9 16 10
Non-violent relationship breakdown with partner 4 10 10
End of social rented tenancy 2 2 1
Eviction from supported housing 2 5 2
End of private rented tenancy – not assured shorthold 0 2 2
Other violence and harassment 2 2 4
Left institution with no accommodation available 4 0 0
Required to leave accommodation provided by home office as asylum support 0 0 0
Other reasons/not known 16 23 16

 

Accommodation at time of application for those owed a Prevention duty

Accommodation at time of application for those owed a Prevention duty
Accommodation Tenure Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
Private Rented Sector 23 37 25
Living with family 55 30 29
No fixed abode 0 0 0
Social Rented Sector 2 8 7
Living with friends 20 4 8
Homeless on departure from institution 4 1 2
Rough sleeping 0 0 0
Owner Occupier/Shared Ownership 2 0 1
Temporary accommodation 1 0 1
National Asylum Seeker Support Accommodation 3 0 0
Refuge 3 0 0
Other/not known 4 7 3

 

Household type of households owed a Prevention duty

Household type of households owed a Prevention duty
Household Type
Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
Single parent with dependent children - Male 5 2 4
Single parent with dependent children - Female 39 30 25
Single parent with dependent children - Other 0 0 0
Single adult - Male 48 30 30
Single adult - Female 32 19 15
Single adult - Other 5 5 4
Couple with dependent children 10 6 10
Couple/two adults without dependent children 5 8 5
Three or more adults with dependent children 1 1 0
Three or more adults without dependent children 0 0 0
Other/not known 0 0 0

 

Ethnicity of main applicants owed a Prevention or a Relief duty

Ethnicity of main applicants owed a prevention or a relief duty
Ethnicity Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
White 138 124 111
Black/African/Caribbean /Black British 2 3 6
Asian/Asian British 3 3 3
Mixed/Multiple ethnic groups 5 7 3
Other ethnic groups 3 4 1
Not known 7 20 2

 

Support needs of households owed a Prevention or Relief duty

Support needs of households owed a Prevention or Relief duty
Support Needs
Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
History of mental health problems 56 38 50
Physical ill health and disability 21 18 20
At risk of/has experienced domestic abuse 20 13 24
Offending history 15 4 8
History of repeat homelessness 10 0 6
Drug dependency needs 16 3 3
History of rough sleeping 6 0 8
Alcohol dependency needs 9 3 8
Learning disability 6 8 8
Young person aged 18-25 years requiring support to manage independently 23 5 3
Access to education, employment or training 7 0 1
At risk of/has experienced abuse (non-domestic abuse) 0 1 2
At risk of/has experienced sexual abuse/exploitation 4 2 4
Old age 0 1 1
Care leaver aged 21+ years 3 4 1
Care leaver aged 18- 20 years 5 5 1
Care leaver aged 16- 17 years 0 2 0
Young parent requiring support to manage independently 3 0 0
Former asylum seeker 2 0 1
Served in HM forces 0 0 2

 

Age if main applicants owed a Prevention or Relief duty

Age if main applicants owed a Prevention or Relief duty
Age Band Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
16-17 0 0 0
18-24 47 54 34
25-34 46 45 38
35-44 36 29 26
45-54 17 16 13
55-64 9 12 10
65-74 2 3 2
75+ 0 1 0

 

Accommodation at time of application for those owed a Relief duty

Accommodation at time of application for those owed a Relief duty
Accommodation Tenure Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
Private Rented Sector 1 10 2
Living with family 8 29 11
No fixed abode 4 10 15
Social Rented Sector 4 8 0
Living with friends 3 1 2
Homeless on Departure from Institution 3 2 3
Rough sleeping 9 5 11
Owner Occupier/Shared Ownership 1 0 0
Temporary accommodation 4 1 1
National Asylum Seeker Support Accommodation 0 0 0
Refuge 1 1 4
Other/not known 2 3 1

 

Household type of households owed a Relief duty

Household type of households owed a Relief duty
Household Type
Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
Single parent with dependent children - Male 2 3 1
Single parent with dependent children - Female 7 26 9
Single parent with dependent children - Other 0 0 0
Single adult - Male 38 44 42
Single adult - Female 9 18 9
Single adult - Other 0 0 0
Couple with dependent children 5 7 3
Couple/two adults without dependent children 2 2 3
Three or more adults with dependent children 0 0 0
Three or more adults without dependent children 0 0 0
Other/not know 0 0 0

 

Employment status of main applicants owed a duty

Employment status of main applicants owed a duty
Employment Status Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
Registered unemployed 44 55 33
Not working due to illness/disability 16 18 26
Full time work 19 21 21
Part time work 21 17 11
Not seeking work/at home 35 17 21
Not registered unemployed but seeking work 8 3 1
Retired 4 2 3
Student/training 5 1 1
Other 3 5 2
Not known 3 22 7

 

Rough Sleeper Statistics

Rough Sleeper Snapshot 2018

Rough Sleeper Snapshot 2018
South Nottinghamshire Borough Count
Broxtowe 3
Gedling 0
Rushcliffe 2

 

Rough Sleeper Snapshot 2019

Rough Sleeper Snapshot 2019
South Nottinghamshire Borough Count
Broxtowe 1
Gedling 0
Rushcliffe 2

 

Rough Sleeper Snapshot 2020

Rough Sleeper Snapshot 2020
South Nottinghamshire Borough Count
Broxtowe 2
Gedling 0
Rushcliffe 3

 

Housing Register Data

Number of Applicants on the Waiting List for Social Housing by Borough

Number of Applicants on the Waiting List for Social Housing by Borough
Year Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
2020-21 2151 596 594

 

Number of Lets through Choice Based Lettings by Borough

Number of Lets through Choice Based Lettings by Borough
Year Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
2018-2019 400 308 376
2019-2020 307 193 303
2020-2021 343 207 212

 

Number of Units of Social Housing by Borough

Number of Units of Social Housing by Borough
Year Broxtowe Gedling Rushcliffe
2020-2021 5596 4864 4038

 

Appendix 2

Rough Sleeper Initiative (RSI) Funding

South Nottinghamshire has been part of successful bids to access the MHCLG’s Rough Sleeper Initiative funding. The Council’s access this as part of a wider Nottinghamshire Council’s bid including Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Mansfield and Newark and Sherwood. This funding was first announced in 2018 and in the most recent year, the Nottinghamshire Councils were awarded around £1.2 million. The RSI Funding has provided a number of important interventions for the Prevention, Intervention and Recovery approach to rough sleeping.

Rough Sleeper Initiative (RSI) Services

Rough Sleeper Initiative Services
RSI Services Key operating area Delivered in partnership
Rough Sleeper Coordinator Coordination of the RSI services and link between Borough Councils and RSI services Framework Housing Association/Ashfield DC
Street Outreach Service Outreach support for rough sleepers across Nottinghamshire Framework Housing Association
Nursing Outreach Wound care and tissues viability support and treatment Sherwood Forest Hospital Trust
CPN Assertive Outreach On the street mental health support Nottinghamshire Healthcare Trust
Landlord Liaison Officers Assistance in finding and creating successful tenancies within the private section and registered social landlords Newark & Sherwood DC, Nottinghamshire Community Housing Association
“Call Before you Serve” Specialist advice service for landlords who are having difficulties with their tenants and who are considering serving a notice to bring their tenancy to and end Derby City Council
Multiple Complex Needs Accommodation (Ashfield/Mansfield supported housing) Supported accommodation for single homeless individuals with multiple complex needs YMCA
Substance Misuse Outreach Assertive outreach on the street substance misuse/treatment service CGL (Change, Grow, Live)
Prevention and Resettlement Team Provides tenancy related support to individuals and households to overcome housing and money related difficulties to maintain accommodation and prevent homelessness and those who need to obtain accommodation to end their homelessness. Framework Housing Association
No Recourse to Public funds service To work with those individuals who have eligibility issues that can create barriers to accessing accommodation and who are rough sleeping or at risk of rough sleeping Tuntum
1st Steps Accommodation (Mansfield) Housing first model supported accommodation in Mansfield Action Housing

 


South Nottinghamshire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy - Strategy Consultation Results Summary

Appendix B

Thank you for those who participated in the South Nottinghamshire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy consultation.

Introduction

This consultation was undertaken to help Broxtowe Borough Council, Rushcliffe Borough Council and Gedling Borough Council develop a new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy to help shape how homelessness services will be delivered over the period 2022 to 2027. Councils are required to undertake a consultation when a new strategy is developed.

The Council is required to consult with a range of key partners and service users, including statutory, voluntary, and third sector organisations. This can include agencies specialising in homelessness and service users operating and living in the local area.

Methodology

The consultation was carried out in the form of an online survey that was available on each of the South Nottinghamshire Borough’s websites.

The survey asked for views on the main themes and issues identified in the homelessness review and that informed the proposed priorities of the homelessness strategy. Individual respondents were able to give their views on certain issues that surround the issue of homelessness and also select or choose what factors contribute and what areas we could improve.

The following questions were asked requiring either a yes/no response, the selection of statements or options for free text:

The strategy raises 6 main strategic priorities, these are;

  1. Early Intervention through effective partnership working
  2. The provision of an accessible, agile and responsive homelessness service
  3. Access to affordable and quality accommodation across all sectors
  4. Tackle rough sleeping by developing and improving pathways
  5. Linking health, well-being and housing together to improve the life chances and aspirations of those affected
  6. Delivering long term support solutions to sustain tenancies for the most vulnerable

Do you feel that the South Nottinghamshire Councils are right to prioritise these areas?

Do you think the Council does enough to prevent homelessness in South Nottinghamshire?

What do you think contributes to homelessness in South Nottinghamshire? Select 3

  • The cost of renting privately (rent levels)
  • The upfront costs of renting privately (deposit, rent in advance)
  • The availability of social housing
  • Welfare reform and Universal Credit
  • Lack of security of tenure in the private sector
  • House prices
  • The availability of affordable housing
  • The availability of supported housing
  • Lack of employment opportunities
  • Lack of support for vulnerable people covering multiple and complex needs such as mental health and substance misuse
  • Other

The Government’s target is to end rough sleeping; do you think this target is achievable in South Nottinghamshire?

What do you think the Council could do or what contribution could be made by partners or other agencies to help end rough sleeping in South Nottinghamshire?

Do you think that enough support is offered to help people to keep their accommodation and to avoid homelessness?

What extra types of support could be made available to help people avoid becoming homeless?

Please choose the 3 most important priorities for the Council to address in preventing and managing homelessness in South Nottinghamshire over the next 5 years?

  • Targeting services to prevent homelessness
  • Provide more social and affordable housing
  • Improving access to the private rented sector
  • Improving support for vulnerable people and groups
  • Supporting non-statutory agencies, such as charities and voluntary groups
  • Improve the quality of quantity of temporary accommodation
  • Helping rough sleepers access the right support and reduce visible rough sleeping
  • Helping people to access employment that allows them to afford a home
  • Building more homes across all tenures

Do you have any other comments about the housing or homelessness situation in South Nottinghamshire, or any suggestions about what could be done to improve things?

The consultation was promoted through inter agency forums and through social media releases and through visiting the website of the South Nottinghamshire Borough’s.

The consultation lasted 8 weeks from 11 October 2021 until 6 December 2021.

Surveys were anonymised to ensure impartial views were obtained.

Documents were made accessible and information was available on request in different formats.

Survey Response and Results

A total of 40 responses were received to the consultation.

In response to whether the six themes within the strategy were correct, the responses were broadly supportive, with 85% of respondents being in favour

  • In favour - yes 85%
  • No -7%
  • Don't know - 8%

In response to whether South Nottinghamshire Council’s do enough to prevent homelessness, 63% of respondents advised that they were unsure.

  • Yes - 12%
  • No - 25%
  • Don't know - 63%

In response to whether the Government targets to end rough sleeping are achievable in South Nottinghamshire, the responses were more balanced. This highest proportion of respondents (45%) agreed this was the case.

  • Yes - 45%
  • No - 35%
  • Don't know - 20%

In response to whether sufficient support is offered to help people keep their accommodation and avoid homelessness, the respondents thought that more support should be offered, only 7% were in agreement.

  • Yes - 7%
  • No - 38%
  • Don't know - 55%

When asked what 3 things contribute to homelessness in South Nottinghamshire, the most prevalent factors included:

  1. The lack of availability of social housing
  2. Lack of support for vulnerable people with multiple and complex needs
  3. The upfront cost of renting privately

A close fourth was the high cost of private rented accommodation which was a prevalent theme across the consultation responses.

When asked which were the 3 most important priorities for the Council to address in the next 5 years, the most prevalent responses were:

  1. Improving support for vulnerable people and groups
  2. Provide more social and affordable housing
  3. Targeting services to prevent homelessness

It is clear from the responses above that support for and concerns surrounding the provision of support for vulnerable people is a a key consideration for the residents of South Nottinghamshire.

A broad selection of the comments made by respondents are shown below:

In response to the strategy themes:

“it’s nice to see these priorities written up”

“good targets”

In response to whether South Nottinghamshire Council’s do enough to prevent homelessness:

"Homelessness is on the increase, which is clear acknowledgement that current prevention is not enough”

“There is not enough social housing being built and the little existing stock is quite literally falling apart.”

“I would like to see more resources devoted to short term lets in empty properties”

“We should see more detail on what Councils do to prevent homelessness”

In response to what the South Nottinghamshire Councils could do or what contribution could be made by partners or other agencies to help end rough sleeping:

“Increased support and advice that is easy to access from a central point”

“Ensure sufficient social housing and mental health support is available”.

“Enable people to be housed as quickly as possible and provide support to ensure they can keep their home”

“Good communication with the services who provide support for homeless people and also the people who provide housing. Knowledge of where rough sleepers are and what they need”

A full summary of the comments and Officer responses can be found at the end of this document.

How the consultation feedback has helped to shape the strategy

The consultation responses have informed the strategy and action plan in the following areas:

  • An action has been added for reviewing good practice and utilising peer reviews. This is within the ‘provision of an accessible, agile and responsive homelessness service’ strategic aim.
  • An action has been added to publicise the outcomes achieved and actions taken to tackle homelessness. This is within the ‘provision of an accessible, agile and responsive homelessness service’ strategic aim.
  • An action has been added to work to bring empty properties back into use for those homeless or rough sleeping where possible. This is within the ‘access to affordable and quality accommodation across all sectors’ strategic aim.

Summary of comments

Summary of consultation comments
Summary of comments made by respondents
Officer Response
More supported accommodation or support to stay in accommodation should be provided, to stop people rough sleeping - 10 similar comments 

The Councils have over recent years increased units of supported accommodation within South Nottinghamshire with the expansion of Elizabeth House and through successful Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme (RSAP) funding bids in partnership with Framework a further 16 units of additional supported accommodation, targeted at rough sleepers will be available

Improving the access to supported accommodation is included within the action plan

Improving “move on” arrangements for those leaving supported accommodation is included within the action plan 

Provide more support for rough sleepers - 8 similar comments 

The Councils are committed to ending rough sleeping across South Nottinghamshire

Tacking rough sleeping by developing and improving pathways is a key strategic aim 

Understand and respond to specific groups facing homelessness - 7 similar comments 

Improving pathways for specific groups is a key strategic aim

The use of Rough Sleeper Action Groups enables a more targeted approach to tailor support and meet the needs of rough sleepers 

Agencies/Partners need to work more closely together - 6 similar comments  Early intervention through partnership is a key strategic aim within the strategy 
Social housing stock is in low supply, not enough being built and/or is of low quality - 5 similar comments  Improving links with Registered Providers and ensuring homeless clients are prioritised through allocation schemes is part of the ‘access to affordable and quality accommodation across all sectors’ strategic aim 
More empty homes/buildings need to be brought back into use - 5 similar comments  This suggestion has been added into the strategy and action plan following the consultation 
Housing advice support can be difficult to access/make services more accessible - 3 similar comments 

The provision of accessible, agile and responsive homelessness services is a key strategic aim

There is an action ensuring homeless clients are able to access housing options and advice services and customer journeys and experiences are understood 

Difficult to tackle the issues at a local level - 2 similar comments 

The DLUHC lead on national homeless policy

The DLUHC provide funding to all local authorities to discharge their statutory duties and to develop a Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Strategy. The model requires a local response to local homelessness and rough sleeping issues within local authority areas

Council’s are required to develop local solutions to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping including the provision of homelessness and housing advice services 

We should see more detail on what Councils do to prevent homelessness- 1 similar comment  This suggestion has been added into the strategy and action plan following the consultation 
Ensure adequate funding, ensuring that money is spent in the right way on the right priorities - 1 similar comment  Maximising the funding available to assist homeless clients is an action within the action plan within the ‘early intervention through effective partnership working’ strategic aim 
More investment in front line staffing would improve response  The provision of accessible, agile and responsive homelessness services is a key strategic aim, therefore resources and service quality are under regular review in each area 
Clear pathways for clients would improve and speed up responses Improving pathways and improving accessibility to housing options services are within the key strategic aims
Housing developers ignore the needs of the community and the Council doesn’t hold them to account The Council has a statutory duty to assess local housing needs and can influence the type and size of affordable housing delivered on new sites. Developers and Registered Providers are required to adhere to the provisions within the Section 106 Planning Agreement
Temporary accommodation needs to be accessible and appropriate Ensuring that temporary accommodation is of a high quality is within the ‘access to affordable and quality accommodation across all sectors’ strategic aim
Ensure that other practice is reviewed This suggestion, specifically around peer review, has been added into the strategy and action plan following the consultation
People who are “sofa surfing” need to be sought out It is intended that improving partnerships with partners and improving pathways for those accessing services will improve information on ‘hidden’ homelessness
Private rent needs to be more accessible Enabling swift access to the private rented sector is within the ‘access to affordable and quality accommodation across all tenures’ strategic aim
Ensure that local people are helped first Local connection and eligibility are key parts of assessing any person's housing, whether they are threatened with homeless, or seeking to join the housing waiting list

 

Accessible Documents