Issue - meetings

The Housing Development and Strategy Manager presented a report on the Shared Homelessness Strategy for 2026-2031.

It was highlighted that an earlier version of the Action Plan had been included in the report in error. Members were advised that the correct version of the Action Plan was also contained within the report and it was clarified which version they were being asked to approve.

The Committee was informed that Redditch Borough Council had worked in partnership with Bromsgrove District Council, Malvern Hills District Council, Wychavon District Council and Wyre Forest District Council to develop the strategy. It was noted that the Homelessness Act 2002 required all housing authorities to have a homelessness and rough sleeping strategy in place, based on a review of all forms of homelessness within their area.

Members were advised that a consultation had been undertaken and that the responses received had been considered and incorporated where appropriate.

In relation to measurable outcomes, the Committee was informed that the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government had provided the required metrics for the Local Outcomes Framework. The core outcome measures were outlined as:

• The rate of households with children in temporary accommodation (per 1,000 households)
• The number of families in Bed & Breakfast accommodation for over six weeks
• The percentage of duties owed where homelessness was prevented or relieved
• The number of people sleeping rough on a single night
• The number of people sleeping rough over the month who were long-term rough sleepers

The financial implications of the strategy were outlined and it was explained that the new Homelessness, Rough Sleeping and Domestic Abuse Grant would provide funding to support delivery. The Committee was advised that a separate report had already been presented to Members detailing spending priorities for the subsequent three years.

It was reiterated that the Council had a statutory duty under the Homelessness Act 2002 to produce a homelessness strategy, alongside compliance with the Homelessness Reduction Act, the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and the Renters Right Act 2025.

In considering the context of Local Government Reorganisation, Members were reassured that the strategy had been developed to be adaptable for incorporation into either one or two unitary authorities, pending the development of a new single strategy based on a fresh homelessness review as required by the Homelessness Code of Guidance.

An Equality Impact Assessment had been completed, which demonstrated a positive outcome, and it was reported that officers would continue to monitor impacts to ensure no adverse effects arose.

Members were advised that failure to approve the strategy would result in the Council not being legally compliant and could lead to potential increased use of bed and breakfast accommodation, higher levels of rough sleeping within the Borough, and negative impacts on physical and mental health, educational attainment and residents’ ability to work.

RECOMMENDED that

The Shared Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2031 be approved.