The Head of Housing Strategy gave an overview of the report on homelessness prevention and stated a further paper on housing enforcement will be presented at a future meeting.

A panel member expressed concern about the rise in temporary accommodation and asked how rates compare with neighbours and progress with procurement.

The Head of Housing and Strategy said the June 2022 figures on those in temporary accommodation were as follows:

Merton 333
Sutton 846
Croydon1951
Wandsworth 2985
Richmond 349
Bromley 1598

Split of current temporary accommodation by area:

100 cases in borough
224 cases out of borough
4 outside of London, in Kent and surrey, aim to place people in borough

The Head of Housing Strategy reported that the trend in temporary accommodation is upwards, not sure how steep. The team is still awaiting impact of new applications from people leaving the Homes for Ukraine Scheme,

The Head of Housing Strategy reported that Capital Letters Agency find private sector accommodation, they are affected by economic factors such as the drop in private sector accommodation. High rents are also a challenge.

In response to questions on the council acquiring its own temporary accommodation, The Head of Housing Strategy reported Merton has access to an 81place hostel, most are spot purchase and compete with other London boroughs. It is complex to set up temporary accommodation as council does not have housing management services and repairs service. The department are looking at many options.

A panel member queried the waiting time for temporary accommodation.  The Head of Housing Strategy said it depends on size of accommodation required as there is a longer wait for larger properties.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development said the Administration has a goal to build 400 homes some may be temporary accommodation.

In response to questions, it was reported that:

People who are placed in housing outside of London have a right of review; the council can help people who choose to move to another part of the country.

The first phase of the Home for Ukraine scheme is coming to an end and it has been difficult to find new hosts, the department try to rematch to new hosts if possible. There is funding for the Scheme, but private sector affordability is a challenge. It is also difficult for those who find jobs to obtain several years worth of references, which is difficult in the circumstances.

Panel members congratulated the department on the low homelessness figures and the hard work undertaken to support the community.

A panel member suggested including temporary accommodation in performance monitoring.

Councillor Fairclough asked the panel to put forward a recommendation to support t Cabinet attempts to implement the Empty house scheme

The Head of Housing and Strategy reported the council is going ahead with the  Empty Homes Scheme and this should be operational by July.

Anthony Fairclough proposed the following recommendation “This panel recommends to support the council’s plans to increase the amount of temporary accommodation through schemes such as the Empty Houses scheme which is coming forward”.

The recommendation was unanimously supported by the panel

The Head of Housing and Strategy reported that the council has a legal duty to provide housing for those in priority need and every attempt is made to ensure people are not placed far away from their local community.  

Councillor Fairclough proposed the following recommendation - This panel believes we should not as a matter of policy, house people beyond 90 minutes of travel, except by choice.

This was seconded by Councillor Wilson

Those in favour:
Councillor Anthony Fairclough
Councillor Victoria Wilson
Councillor Dan Holden
Councillor Stephen Mercer
Councillor John Braithwaite

Those against:
Councillor Stuart Neaveson
Councillor Dan Johnston
Councillor Martin Whelton
Councillor James Williscroft
Councillor Caroline Charles 

The Chair used his casting vote against the recommendation.

The recommendation was not carried.

Councillor Whelton proposed that the Panel recommends that the council do everything within its power to house people in Merton as a top priority and as close as possible to the borough. Also, to increase the procurement of accommodation through empty homes and Capital Letters.

This was seconded by Councillor Williscroft and passed unanimously by the Panel.

RESOLVED

This panel recommends to support the council’s plans to increase the amount of temporary accommodation through schemes such as the Empty Houses scheme which is coming forward.

Panel recommends that the council do everything within its power to house people in Merton as a top priority and as close as possible to the borough. Also, to increase the procurement of accommodation through empty homes and Capital Letters.