Rough Sleeping Initiative (RSI) / Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme (RSAP) Arrangements 2026–2029

Record of Decision Taken by Director of Neighbourhoods (DCE) on 13 July 2026

Details of Decision: Rough Sleeping Initiative (RSI) / Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme (RSAP) Arrangements 2026–2029.

Authority for decision

Authority of the Director under Rushcliffe Borough Council Constitution Part 13 (d)(ii).

Decision

To enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Nottinghamshire district and borough authorities, with Ashfield District Council acting as lead authority, to pool funding and jointly commission countywide rough sleeping prevention, outreach, accommodation, resettlement and associated RSI / RSAP services for the period 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029.

The decision also authorises Rushcliffe Borough Council to  make the required funding contributions to Ashfield District Council for the continuation and commissioning of agreed countywide RSI/ RSAP provision, including the three-month extension from April to June 2026 and ongoing contributions to relevant services from July 2026 onwards, subject to the agreed contribution schedule and available grant funding.

Reasons for decision

The participating Nottinghamshire authorities have agreed to jointly commission and administer countywide rough sleeping prevention and resettlement services from 1 April 2026. The MOU provides the governance and financial framework for this pooled approach, with Ashfield District Council acting as lead authority.

The arrangement enables continuity of services previously delivered through the Rough Sleeping Initiative and supports the transition to the Homelessness Prevention Grant/Rough sleeping funding model from April 2026 onwards.

The joint approach supports a consistent countywide offer for people rough sleeping or at risk of rough sleeping, reduces duplication, provides greater value for money and enables shared governance and accountability across the partner authorities.

For Rushcliffe Borough Council, the arrangement supports continuation of existing rough sleeping and resettlement provision, including services linked to street outreach and supported accommodation/RSAP provision.

The arrangement also enables commissioning to be undertaken through the lead authority countywide route, rather than each district separately procuring services, supporting consistency and reducing administrative burden.

Internal approval to proceed has been obtained, with Dave Banks, Director of Neighbourhoods (DCE).

Alternative options considered and rejected

Option 1: Do not participate in the pooled RSI/RSAP arrangement

Rejected because this would risk disruption to existing rough sleeping services and supported accommodation arrangements, undermine the consistency of countywide provision, and place greater pressure on Rushcliffe Borough Council to identify or commission alternative provision independently.

Option 2: Commission services independently

Rejected because this would duplicate activity already being progressed through the countywide model, reduce economies of scale, increase administrative and procurement burden, and risk inconsistency across Nottinghamshire.

Option 3: Delay decision pending further development of the countywide framework

Rejected because services and funding commitments need to be maintained from April 2026 onwards, including the April to June 2026 extension period and subsequent service mobilisation. Delay could create service gaps and uncertainty for providers, partners and vulnerable service users.

Preferred option:

Proceed with participation in the pooled MOU and associated funding contributions, with Ashfield District Council acting as lead authority

Conflicts of interest and any dispensation

None identified.

 

Monitoring Information

Key decision?

Yes - delegated key decision.

Confidential/ Exempt (if yes, please state paragraph)?

No.

Do General Exception or Special Urgency Rules apply to this decision?

No, unless Democratic Services advise otherwise.

Consultation 

The annual costs will be offset against the annual Homelessness Prevention Grant. Procurement advice has also been sought in relation to the lead authority route and Rushcliffe Borough Council’s role as a funding partner.

Portfolio Holder consultation has taken place: Cllr Roger Upton confirmed support on 13 July 2026, subject to financial awareness and approval from Peter Linfield.

Dave Banks, Director of Neighbourhoods (DCE), has confirmed support for this as a delegated key decision.

Signed

David Banks

Director of Neighbourhoods (DCE)

13 July 2026