Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy
South Nottinghamshire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2022- 2027
Index
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.
- Early intervention through effective partnership working.
- The provision of an accessible, agile and responsive homelessness service.
- Access to affordable and quality accommodation across all sectors.
- Tackle rough sleeping by developing and improving pathways.
- Linking health, well-being and housing together to improve the life chances and aspirations of those affected.
- 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
| 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
| 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
| 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
| 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
| 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
| 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Homelessness Statistics in South Nottinghamshire 2018-19
Homelessness summary by Borough in 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
| 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
| 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 | 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 |
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 | 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 |
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 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 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 | 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 |
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
| 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
| 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
| 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 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 |
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 | 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 |
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 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 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 |
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 |
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
| 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
| 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
| 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 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 |
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 | 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 |
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 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 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 |
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 | 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
| South Nottinghamshire Borough | Count |
|---|---|
| Broxtowe | 3 |
| Gedling | 0 |
| Rushcliffe | 2 |
Rough Sleeper Snapshot 2019
| South Nottinghamshire Borough | Count |
|---|---|
| Broxtowe | 1 |
| Gedling | 0 |
| Rushcliffe | 2 |
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
| Year | Broxtowe | Gedling | Rushcliffe |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 2151 | 596 | 594 |
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
| 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
| 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;
- Early Intervention through effective partnership working
- The provision of an accessible, agile and responsive homelessness service
- Access to affordable and quality accommodation across all sectors
- Tackle rough sleeping by developing and improving pathways
- Linking health, well-being and housing together to improve the life chances and aspirations of those affected
- 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:
- The lack of availability of social housing
- Lack of support for vulnerable people with multiple and complex needs
- 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:
- Improving support for vulnerable people and groups
- Provide more social and affordable housing
- 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 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
- Air Quality Action Plan 2021
- Air Quality Annual Status Report 2023
- Air Quality Annual Status Report 2022
- Air Quality Annual Status Report 2021
- Air Quality Strategy for Nottingham and Notts
- Auditor's Annual Report 2021
- Internal Audit Annual Report 2021/22
- Auditor's Annual Report 2021-22
- Annual Governance Statement 2021-22
- Annual Governance Statement 2020-21
- Asset Management Strategy
- Become a Councillor 2022
- Budget and Financial Strategy 2021-22
- Budget and Financial Strategy 2022-23
- Budget and Financial Strategy 2023-24
- Budget and Financial Strategy 2024-25
- Capital and Investment Strategy
- Climate Change Strategy 2021-2030
- Compulsory Purchase Order Procedure Protocol
- Confidential Reporting Code
- Corporate Enforcement Policy
- Corporate Strategy 2024-2027
- Council Constitution
- Council Tax Recovery and Enforcement Policy 2023
- Customer Access Strategy
- Discretionary Housing Payments Policy 2023-2024
- Disabled Facilities Grant Policy 2022
- Equalities Scheme 2021-25
- Empty Homes Strategy
- Environment Policy 2023
- External and Internal Communications Strategy
- Freedom Of Information Policy
- HB Recovery and Enforcement Policy
- Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy
- Housing Allocations Policy
- ICT Strategy 2022 -25
- Information Management and Governance Strategy 2022-25
- Rushcliffe Borough Council Information Retention Schedule
- Leisure Strategy 2021-2027 review
- Local Code of Corporate Governance 2021/22
- Local Plan Part 1: Core Strategy
- Local Plan Part 2: Land and Planning Policies
- Local Scheme of Validation
- Off-street Car Parking Strategy
- Pay Policy Statement
- People Strategy 2021-26
- Planning Enforcement Policy
- Procurement Strategy
- Playing Pitch Strategy 2022
- 2021-22 Public Inspection Notice
- RIPA Policy and Guidance
- Risk Management Strategy 2023-26
- Rushcliffe Nature Conservation Strategy
- Statement of Gambling Licensing Principles
- Statement of Accounts 2019-20
- Statement of Accounts 2020-21
- Statement of Accounts 2021-22
- Statement of Accounts 2021-22 (unaudited)
- Statement of Accounts 2022-23 (unaudited)
- Statement of Accounts 2022-23 (audited)
- Statement of Licensing Policy
- Tenancy Strategy 2019
- Transformation Strategy and Efficiency Plan
- Tree Management and Protection Policy 2023
- WISE Agreement
- Neighbourhood Plans
- Conservation Areas
- Supplementary Planning Documents