To seek Executive approval to allocate funds from the Homelessness Prevention Grant and Rough Sleeping Initiative funding to ensure the continuation of homelessness support services in Fareham following the reduction in funding for Social Inclusion (homelessness) Services by Hampshire County Council.
In June 2022, Hampshire County Council (HCC) agreed a £360,000 reduction in the Adults’ Health and Care budget for Social Inclusion Services. These services provide support for homeless people living in supported housing schemes across the county together with community support for those moving on from supported housing schemes or are sleeping rough/at risk of sleeping rough.
The decision by HCC to reduce funding for Social Inclusion Services from April 2023 was part of a set of broader savings options to achieve a reduction in their overall spending on Adult Social Care and Health of £40.6m by 31 March 2023.
Although HCC has no direct statutory responsibility for the elimination of homelessness (as this sits with the 11 District, Borough and City Councils), the County Council is responsible for ensuring eligible Adult Social Care needs can be met. The existing Social Inclusion Services are funded through the County’s Adults’ Health and Care budget with additional funding from District, Borough and City Council contributions in some areas enhancing the service offer. The current HCC annual budget for these services in £2.4m
In September 2021, HCC set up a Social Inclusion Advisory Group, comprising representatives from Adult Social Care, Mental Health and Substance Misuse, Public Health, Probation, Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner, Community Rehabilitation Company, CCGs, DWP and 1 representative from each District/Borough/City Council. This group has been the main forum for statutory agencies to be involved in the co-production and agreement of proposed solutions for Social Inclusion Services from April 2023.
Following a period of public consultation, a decision was made by HCC in June 2022 to reduce the annual budget for Social Inclusion Services by £360,000 from April 2023. This report sets out the changes that will take effect from April 2023 and how the proposal for additional investment by Fareham Borough Council will ensure the continuation of homelessness support services for our most vulnerable residents.
Decision type: Key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 05/08/2022
Decision due: 5 Sep 2022 by Executive
Lead member: Executive Member for Housing
Lead director: Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Contact: Caroline Newman, Head of Housing and Benefits Email: cnewman@fareham.gov.uk.
Consultees
None
Background Papers: File of correspondence