The Committee considered the report on the draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2030, which sought approval to launch a 12-week public consultation on the draft strategy.
A review of the strategy had been conducted in 2024-25 and they key findings were set out in the report. These included an increase in the number of individuals with multiple, interconnecting needs that hindered access to housing, and that additional attention needed to be given to those who were facing private rented evictions and also to refugees, domestic abuse survivors and those discharged from hospitals and prisons.
The Committee raised concerns about the national housing policies affecting private landlords and the potential impact these would have on housing availability and affordability.
RESOLVED (unanimously) That the Committee
1 agree the draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2030 go out for public consultation.
2 note that following consultation, the final version of the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2030 will be presented to the Committee for approval to adopt.
The Director of Growth and Enterprise advised the Committee that Karen Carsberg, Head of Housing, would be leaving the Council on early retirement at the end of October.
The Chair, on behalf of the Economy and Growth Committee, thanked Karen for the work and support she had provided to the Committee and the Council.