Lichfield District Homelessness Strategy and Review 2013 ‐ 2018 April 2013 Contents
Part One The Homelessness Strategy 2013‐2018 1‐13 Foreword 4 1. Introduction 5 2. Development of the Strategy 6 2.1 The Review of Homelessness 7 2.2 Consultation 9 2.3 Key issues identified through consultation 10 3. Our priorities and aims of the Homelessness Strategy 2013‐2018 12 3.1 Our priorities 3.2 Our aims 4. Monitoring 14 5. Your views 14 Part Two Homelessness Strategy Delivery Plan 2008‐13 15‐28 Part Three The Review of Homelessness 29‐60 Appendices 61—81 Lichfield District Homelessness Strategy 3 4 Foreword Councillor Colin Greatorex, Cabinet Member for Com‐
munity, Housing & Environmental Welcome to Lichfield District Council’s fourth Homelessness Strategy, which has been devel‐
oped from the findings of our review of homelessness and consultation with our partners. The Strategy builds on the achievements of our previous Homelessness Strategy 2008‐13 and sets a framework for the continued improvement of homelessness services in the district. Much has been achieved since our first Homelessness Strategy; central to this has been the refocusing of our work on the prevention of homelessness and continued multi‐agency work‐
ing. This approach has contributed to a fall in homelessness over the last five years and many improvements in our homelessness and housing options services. Homelessness is the most extreme form of housing need that can have a very negative impact on people’s lives and the wider community. It affects many areas of life, such as putting extra demands on health services, undermining educational achievement and acting as a barrier to those seeking and keeping employment. The development of our Homelessness Strategy has come at a time of great change in hous‐
ing, and there are many pressures on housing that will continue in future years. This Strategy considers these challenges and establishes two strategic priorities ‘to prevent homelessness’ and ‘support for those who are homeless’. I would like to thank the many organisations that have contributed to our review of homeless‐
ness and helped us shape this Strategy, particularly through the Strategic Housing Partnership. We look forward to working in partnership with you to achieve the priorities and aims set out in our delivery plan. Part One The Homelessness Strategy 2013‐2018 1. Introduction This is the fourth Homelessness Strategy for Lichfield District which sets out our priorities for the next five years and the work we will carry out to reduce and prevent homelessness across the district. The Strategy has been developed against a background of economic challenges which are having, and are expected to continue to have, an impact on the number of households experiencing housing difficulties. This Strategy sets out the challenges which the Council is likely to face and how it intends to address them. The Homelessness Strategy sets out how we will continue to work with the various agencies involved in providing services to homeless and potentially homeless households in Lichfield District. The actions iden‐
tified in this Strategy will act as a focus for co‐ordinating multi‐agency working and developing policy and initiatives that effectively respond to the needs and gaps in current provision that have been identified through the Homelessness Review. Although this Strategy will be the basis for improving homelessness services across the district, we recognise that over a five year period needs may change, for example, as a result of the impact of the recession and welfare reform and therefore this Strategy, and especially the delivery plan, will be reviewed on a regular basis. Lichfield District Homelessness Strategy 5 6 Part one 2. Development of the Strategy 2.1. The review of homelessness To develop the Strategy, we have collated and examined evidence from a variety of sources and con‐
ducted a range of consultation exercises. To help guide the development of our Strategy we initially carried out a review of homelessness and to begin the review we firstly looked back at what we had achieved since the previous 2008‐13 Strategy. Highlights of these achievements include: 
Development of a housing options website 
Development of homelessness prevention schemes 
Increased working with private landlords 
The provision of a money advice service and the money advice website 
An improved out of hours service 
A reduction in the use of B&B accommodation 
Commissioning of services, such as rough sleeper outreach project and shared accommodation offer to private landlords via the Shropshire and Staffordshire Homelessness Prevention Partner‐
ship 
Introduction of the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol 
The delivery of 205 affordable homes since 2008 We also conducted a detailed analysis of homelessness in the district. We examined the current levels of homelessness, trends since the last strategy and other information on the various activities we carry out with our partners to prevent homelessness. This highlighted the following key issues that we face in the district and identifies gaps in provision that this Strategy needs to address. Since 2008: 
Housing enquiries have increased by 43% 
Homelessness applications have reduced by 47% 
Homelessness acceptances have reduced by 19% 
Homelessness preventions have increased by 473% 
Use of bed and breakfast has fallen and in 2012/13 no families were placed in bed and breakfast 
We have been the highest user of temporary accommodation in Staffordshire with only Staffordshire Moorlands having a higher use in 2012/13 
The length of time households have to remain in temporary accommodation has re‐
duced by 2.8 weeks or 16% but in the last year it has risen by 1.5 weeks (11.6% increase) 
In 2012/13, 43% of all housing enquiries were due to relationship breakdown 
In 2012/13, 26% of all housing enquires were due to the loss of a tenancy 
There are 2.12 homeless acceptances per 1000 households which is the highest in Staffordshire but lower than the national average of 2.37 
In 2008/9, 58% of homeless applicants were accepted as statutorily homeless but by 2012/13 this had increased to 88% 
In 2012/13, 22% of homelessness preventions enabled a household to remain in their own homes compared to 47% nationally 
In 2012/13, 78% of homelessness preventions enabled a household to obtain alternative accommo‐
dation compared to 53% nationally 
Use of temporary accommodation has recently started to rise again, following a fall in use for the period 2008‐09 to 2010‐11 
The number of rough sleepers in Lichfield District is very low with only 1 rough sleeper identified in the official estimate in 2012 
There is no local direct access hostel in the district and limited supported accommodation for the single homeless Lichfield District Housing Strategy Lichfield District Homelessness Strategy 7 7 8 Part one 
The Housing Strategy also identified that there is: 
a high incidence of larger detached dwellings and an undersupply of smaller dwellings which lim‐
its choice and housing options for residents 
pressure on the housing register (the waiting list for social housing) remains high, with 2910 households live on the housing waiting list at 31st March 2013, of which 1020 are considered to be in a reasonable preference category1 with a connection to Lichfield District, and 343 of whom were classed as homeless or potentially homeless 
a smaller than average private rented sector and rent levels are generally higher than surrounding areas and market demand is strong 
a small number of shared houses which it is estimated at less than 100 
a greater need for smaller and more supported accommodation plus associated support services to enable elderly residents to live safely and independently 
a higher than average affordability ratio which is the ratio of house prices to incomes), meaning that home ownership is out of reach to many 
the highest average house prices in Staffordshire 
a limited supply of new affordable housing because like other areas the recession has led to a slow down in house building and a reduction in affordable housing. As part of the review we also examined the changes in policy at a national, regional and local level and identi‐
fied how these changes will impact upon our housing options service. It is evident that many households are facing real difficulties in managing their income and housing as a result of the downturn in the economy and this is having an impact on the housing market. As part of its commitment to reducing homelessness, the government established a cross‐government work‐
ing group which brought together ministers from across eight government departments. The working groups first report “Vision to end Rough Sleeping, No Second Night out Nationwide” signalled the government’s commitment to end rough sleeping. In 2012 the working groups second report ‘Making every contact count: A joint approach to preventing homelessness’ was launched to try and make sure that every contact local agencies make with vulnerable people and families really counts and services are man‐
aged in a way that prevents all households, regardless of household type, from reaching a crisis point where they are faced with homelessness. The report set ten local challenges, which the government has recom‐
mended local authorities should take forward to achieve a ‘gold standard’ service. This Strategy recognises the importance of these challenges and acknowledges existing work already undertaken or underway to re‐
spond to them. 1
Reasonable preference is defined as being in priority bands 1‐3 and therefore considered to be in some degree of housing In terms of local policy, a new Housing Strategy 2013‐2017 was developed and launched in 2013 which is intrinsically linked to this Strategy, particularly the following priorities: 


Improve housing choice and access to a wide range of affordable homes Prevent and reduce homelessness Support older and vulnerable people to live as independently and healthily as possible The Housing Strategy can be found at: http://www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/info/200173/housing_strategy/353/
download_our_housing_strategies/2 The Plan for Lichfield District 2012‐162 has also been endorsed and adopted by the Council and Lichfield District Strategic Partnership (LSP)3 ; sets out a shared vision and direction for tackling issues that are im‐
portant to local residents and businesses. Within the strategic theme of ‘we’ll support people’ there is the following long term outcome relevant to housing and homelessness “We’ll help and support vulnerable adults, families and children to live independent and fulfilled lives in their own homes and communities, and prevent homelessness wherever we can”. The Lichfield District Local Plan has also been developed which will provide the framework for managing development, addressing key planning issues and guiding investment including affordable homes across the district up to 2029. Further information on all of these issues can be found in the Review of Homelessness in Part Three. 2.2. consultation To test the early findings of our Review of Homelessness, in June 2013 we held an informal consultation workshop with members of the Strategic Housing Partnership. The purpose of this was to share our emerging evidence and seek any additional evidence that partners might have to strengthen our Review. Following this we consulted four key partners‐ SESCAB, Bromford Support, Midland Heart Foyer and Path‐
way to share what we felt were our key issues, to find out if these were the experiences of their organisa‐
tions and see if any other issues were important. In July 2013 we held a formal consultation event where attendees were asked to consider our emerging evidence in the Review and in workshops discuss the key issues that we had identified to date. Attendees were also asked to highlight any other areas which from their experience they felt needed attention. Following the consultation with partners we finalised the draft Homelessness Review which we presented to the Community, Housing and Environmental Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee in September 2013. The findings of the Review and the proposed priorities and aims in the draft document were en‐
dorsed by Members of the committee. A discussion took place on the need to continually monitor, review and audit the services we deliver with a view to making improvements where possible in the confines of limited resources. We have strength‐
ened the document to reflect this and also added an additional aim to ‘Review, monitor and improve ser‐
vice delivery’. 2 3
This is available at http://www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/downloads/file/4086/a_plan_for_lichfield_district_2012_2016 The District Board is the decision making body of the Local Strategic Partnership which brings together the Council, Staffordshire County Council with the police, fire service, health services and many other local agencies and busi‐
nesses. Lichfield District Homelessness Strategy 9 10 Part one 2.3. Key issues identified through consultation Through discussion at the consultation events we have identified the following key issues that we need to address in our new homelessness strategy. 
The options for single homeless households within the district are very limited, particularly for single people under the age of 35 due to changes to the housing benefit rules. There are a very small number of shared houses, which is estimated at less than 100 and the fairly small size of the private rented sector also limits the choices available to single homeless people. There is also a shortage of direct access or emergency provision for single homeless people. 
Relationship breakdown has remained consistently the highest cause of homelessness within Lichfield District for the past 5 years and it is the most common reason that people make a housing enquiry. 
Apart from 2012/13, Lichfield District has been the highest user of temporary accommoda‐
tion in Staffordshire since 2008/9. Use of bed and breakfast has reduced, however there has been an increase in the number of void periods in the temporary accommodation managed by Bromford Support. 
Access to the Private Rented Sector is limited as the supply of accommodation is small, rent levels are generally higher than surrounding areas and market demand is strong. Afforda‐
bility is also a key issue with the availability of homes to rent at or under Local Housing Allow‐
ance rates very limited. 
The social rented sector is small and access to it is limited due to low turnover and high de‐
mand. There is great pressure on the housing register and due to this many households have to move out of the district to meet their housing needs. 
The reforms to the welfare system introduced through the Welfare Reform Act have implica‐
tions for many householders and, in particular, the spare room subsidy has increased demand for smaller one and two bedroom homes from households looking to downsize. 
There is limited access to debt and money advice in the district and there is also a perceived lack of awareness of available services. 
There is a need for more support for vulnerable adults, especially those with complex needs. Feedback from partners is that there is a lack of a clear integrated multi‐agency approach to assist people with complex needs and support services that do operate in the district are lim‐
ited. 
There is a lack of supported accommodation for particular groups such as those over 25, young single parents and people with drug and alcohol problems. Opportunities to develop new supported accommodation are also restricted due to the lack of both capital and reve‐
nue funding available both locally and nationally. 
We recognise there is a need to continually review and monitor our services, particularly if we are to achieve a ‘gold standard’ service. However, in the climate of reduced resources, services will need to be more focused and deliver better value for money. After consideration of the above and all the findings and recommendations set out in the Review of Homelessness, we have established two strategic priorities and six aims for the Homelessness Strategy which we will to try and deliver over the next 5 years. Details of these are set out in section 3 below, with the Delivery Plan in Part Two providing much more detail on the individual actions that will contribute to meeting these priorities and aims. Lichfield District Homelessness Strategy 11 12 Part one 3. Our priorities and aims 3.1 Our priorities Following an analysis of the issues highlighted through our review of homelessness and the comments re‐
ceived during the various consultation exercises, we have identified the following two priorities: 1.Prevention of homelessness 2.Support for those who are homeless These two priorities have been chosen as they encompass the main focus of the work of the housing service and cover what the Council wants to achieve with its partners. Since 2002, central government has made homelessness prevention a priority and has provided funding to improve services and require councils to develop proactive strategies to prevent homelessness in their area. Homelessness is not just a housing problem, as being homeless, or at risk of homelessness adversely affects all areas of life including health, the ability to find employment and the achievement of children at school. Preventing homelessness and pro‐actively intervening before crisis occurs rather than responding in an emergency also saves money and in the long term helps to create sustainable communities. Supporting those who are homeless is also very important so that households in need get the right help to look at their options for finding suitable accommodation. Then after permanent accommodation has been found, support is also often vital to help ensure that a tenancy is sustained and households do not become homeless again. 3.2 Our aims To deliver these priorities we have established the following six aims which we will achieve by com‐
pleting several actions and milestones: 1. Assist households to remain in their own home To achieve this we will: 
Work with partners to mitigate the effects of welfare reform 
Monitor the impact of the Council’s Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) Policy in prevent‐
ing homelessness 
Establish joint working arrangements with the Department for Work and Pensions on the in‐
troduction of Universal Credit 
Explore reasons why relationship breakdown continues to be the main reason for homeless‐
ness and identify opportunities for prevention 
Work with partners to ensure debt recovery policies do not lead to homelessness 
Support and promote money advice services 2. Assist households to obtain affordable accommodation To achieve this we will: 
Identify the extent of homelessness amongst those households for whom there is no statu‐
tory housing duty 
Support households to access private rented sector accommodation 
Improve access to accommodation for those with existing housing related debt 
Monitor the impact of Homes Direct on households accessing affordable accommodation 
Promote shared ownership schemes 
Consider options for shared accommodation in the social rented sector 3. Increase access to private rented accommodation To achieve this we will: 
Increase the supply of shared accommodation 
Improve access to those in receipt of Local Housing Allowance 
Increase use of private rented accommodation to discharge statutory homelessness duty 
Consider incentives for private landlords 4. Work with partners to support those who are vulnerable, especially those with complex needs To achieve this we will: 
Identify and understand problems associated with those with complex needs 
Monitor support services and influence commissioners 
Monitor the impact of the MEAM pilot in Lichfield District 
Review Joint working arrangements with Pathway Project and the Family Justice Centre 
Work with partners to ensure services for rough sleepers are available 
Improve joint working arrangements with other services Lichfield District Homelessness Strategy 13 14 Part one 5. Reduce the use of temporary accommodation To achieve this we will: 
Complete the review of the use of temporary accommodation across Staffordshire 
Minimise the use of bed and breakfast accommodation 
Continue to work with Bromford to make best use of their temporary accommodation 
Consider the need for direct access accommodation within the district 6. To review, monitor and improve service delivery To achieve this we will: 
Carry out a homelessness benchmarking exercise 
Carry out review of Housing Options policies, procedures and audit processes 
Consider implications of working towards the ‘Gold Standard’ 
Continue to monitor service performance 
Continue to improve and strengthen partnership working Further detail of these are contained in the Delivery Plan in Part Two. In developing the Delivery Plan, the action plan for the previous Strategy for 2008‐13 has been reviewed and considered in our actions going forward. 4. Monitoring The Delivery Plan includes key actions that the Council and its partners want to achieve throughout the life of the Strategy. The Delivery Plan will be monitored and updated quarterly, including any adjustments to our milestones and consideration of new actions as identified. Whilst it is intended that the Strategy is in place for five years, an annual review will take place. We do recognise that many actions in the Delivery Plan are focused on the next two to three years and this re‐
flects the current uncertainties regarding the economic situation and welfare reforms. 5. Your Views Your views on our priorities and actions are important, so please contact us if you have any comments on any aspect of our Homelessness Strategy. For further information please contact: David Whittaker ‐ Housing Options Manager [email protected] or Lucy Robinson ‐ Housing Strategy and Enabling Manager [email protected] Housing Services Department Lichfield District Council Frog lane Lichfield WS13 6ZE Milestones
Outcomes
Work with part‐ A lead role in the work of the Lich‐
ners to mitigate field District Welfare Reform Group the effects of taken by:
welfare reform  Agreeing and assisting in the implementation of the group’s action plan
 Contribute towards the out‐
comes of the group’s work streams:
1.
Internet access
2.
General information & ad‐
vice
3.
Money advice and general products
4.
Making best use of stock
5.
Employment, training and volunteering
Lead and Supporting Partners
Timescale for Completion
Bromford Living; Lichfield Welfare Reform District Council Housing Ser‐
Group ‐ June Housing Partnership
vices; Lichfield District Coun‐
2014
 Number of households cil Revenues & Benefits; Lich‐
made homeless due to field District Council Commu‐ Work streams ‐ welfare reform moni‐
nity & Partnerships; Depart‐
Ongoing
tored
ment for Work and Pensions;  Action plan delivered. LDCVS; Midland Heart; SES‐
CAB; South Staffs Network for Mental Health; Waterloo Housing Association.
 Report to Strategic Aim 1 – Assist households to remain in their own home
Actions
Prevention Of Homelessness
Homelessness Strategy Prior‐
ity It Relates To
Part Two Homelessness Strategy Delivery Plan 2008‐13 Lichfield District Homelessness Strategy 15 Joint working arrange‐
Establish joint working ments, including informa‐
arrangements with the Department for Work and tion exchange, agreed
Pensions re the introduc‐
tion of universal credit 
 Ongoing reviews of Monitor the impact of the Council’s DHP Policy in preventing homelessness
the effectiveness of the policy carried out Formal review March 2014
Establish a further work stream to monitor the effects of welfare reform, especially the spare room subsidy, on social housing tenants, with a view to preventing homelessness. Milestones Actions 

pension of benefits Those whose benefits are suspended are notified of consequences of home‐
lessness improved information exchange  LDC notified of the sus‐
main in their own homes  Monitor the number of reviews
 Numbers assisted to re‐


Housing Options Team; DWP
Housing Options Team; Revenues & Benefits
Housing Options Team; Bromford Living; Sanctu‐
ary Housing Association  Households affected identified Joint working arrange‐
ments to promote the prevention of homeless‐
ness in place Number of homeless applications monitored Lead and Supporting Partners Outcomes Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing Timescale for Comple‐
tion Prevention Of Homeless‐
ness Prevention Of Homeless‐
ness Homelessness Strategy Priority It relates To 16 Part two 13 Lichfield District Homelessness Strategy 17 LDC; Registered Providers; Revenues & Benefits.
Arrears/eviction protocol Number of households with Bromford Living to homeless through evic‐
include access to money tion monitored
advice produced
Develop agreement with Housing Benefits/Council Tax recovery
Work with partners to ensure debt recovery policies do not lead to homelessness
Any other agencies where debt recovery could lead to homelessness identi‐
fied
LDC, Family Justice centre, Bromford, Pathway, CAB, Relate, HAs. Research conducted and Comparisons with evidence presented neighbouring local au‐
thorities completed Potential causes dis‐
cussed with partners Use of mediation services considered Lead and Supporting Partners
Explore reasons why relationship breakdown continues to be the main reason for homelessness and identify opportuni‐
ties for prevention
Outcomes
Milestones
Actions
June 2014
2015
Timescale for Comple‐
tion
Prevention Of Homeless‐
ness
Prevention Of Homeless‐
ness
Homelessness Strategy Priority It Relates To
Review the effectiveness of the money advice services across the district:
 SESCAB
 Manage Your Money Website
 Bromford Debt Advice Service (including advice to new ten‐
ants)
 Money Advice Service
Support and promote money advice services
Look at options for sustaining Money Advice Service after current funding ends
Consider money advice provision in schools as part of Homelessness Education Programme.
Offer ongoing money advice to new private sector tenants to ensure sustainable tenancies
Milestones Actions Lead and Supporting Partners LDC, Bromford Living, CAB
Outcomes There are comprehensive money advice services available and debt related homelessness is reduced
Availability of debt advice identified
Quality of debt advice identified
Money advice provision is sustained
2015
Timescale for Completion Prevention Of Homelessness
Homelessness Strategy Prior‐
ity It Relates to 18 Part Two Lichfield District Homelessness Strategy 15 Lichfield District Homelessness Strategy 19 Milestones Identify the extent of homelessness amongst those households for whom there is no statutory hous‐
ing duty
Historical data 2012‐
13 identified and ana‐
lysed
Barriers to accessing accommodation iden‐
tified
Monitor outcomes of enquiries by this client group
Aim 2 – Assist to obtain affordable accommodation
Actions Systems in place to collect data on non‐priority appli‐
cants including reporting arrangements
Enquiry outcomes amongst client group re‐
corded
Action plan to tackle barri‐
ers devised
Outcomes LDC; Registered Providers; Private Landlords/Letting Agents; Other LAs.
Lead and Supporting Part‐
ners December 2014
Timescale for Comple‐
tion Prevention Of Homelessness
Support for Those Who Are Homeless
Homelessness Strategy Priority It Relates To Improving access to accom‐
modation for those with exist‐
ing housing related debt
Support households to access private rented sector accom‐
modation
Actions
Policies of registered providers in relation to previous housing debt ascertained.
Policies of lettings agents in relation to previous housing debt ascertained
Agreement reached with FCU re the guaranteeing of loans made by FCU
Review Rent Guarantee Scheme to ensure greater take up by landlords
Consider extending the schemes to non‐priority appli‐
cants
The use of the Homelessness Prevention Fund and Rent Guarantee Scheme reviewed
Milestones
Access to accommo‐
dation improved and monitored
Early identification of debt through housing options process en‐
sured.
Agreement with FCU produced.
Review of schemes carried out.
Outcomes
Housing Options Team; Lettings Agents; Regis‐
tered Providers.
LDC Housing Options Team; Private Landlords
LDC Housing Options Team; LDC Revenues & Benefits Team; Fusion Credit Union.
LDC Housing Options Team;
Lead and Support‐
ing Partners
June 2014
June 2014
Timescale for Completion
Support for Those Who Are Homeless
Support for Those Who Are Homeless
Homelessness Strategy Priority It Relates To
20 Part two Lichfield District Homelessness Strategy 21 Work with registered providers ro make tenants aware of options eg taking in of lodgers, carried out
Joint work with Orbit to promote schemes carried out
Promote shared owner‐
ship schemes
Consider options for shared accommodation in the social rented sec‐
tor
Impact identified and allo‐
cation policy reviews ac‐
cordingly
The impact of the allocations policy on the accessibility of social rented accommodation monitored
Service level agreement with Brom‐
ford Living monitored
Use of Homes Direct by other regis‐
tered providers monitored
Nomination agreements with regis‐
tered providers reviewed
Comparative analysis of lettings data between Bromford & UChoose carried out
Monitor the impact of Homes Direct on house‐
holds accessing afford‐
able accommodation
Tenants able to remain in their own homes
Additional option for sin‐
gle homeless identified
Greater take up of shared ownership accommoda‐
tion
Outcomes Milestones Actions
LDC; Registered Providers
LDC; Orbit Help to Buy
LDC; Bromford Living
Lead and Supporting Partners June 2014
Ongoing
Ongoing
Timescale for Completion Prevention of Homelessness
Support for Those Who are Homeless
Support for Those Who Are Homeless
Support for Those who are Homeless
Homelessness Strategy Priority It Relates to Milestones
Outcomes
HB payment scheme with Revenues and Benefits and Fusion Credit Union agreed
The impact of the suit‐
ability of private rented accommoda‐
tion policy and proce‐
dure monitored
Increase use of pri‐
vate rented accom‐
modation to dis‐
charge statutory homelessness duty
Article added to Coun‐
cil’s website and other available promotional opportunities consid‐
ered.
Work with Derventio Housing Trust to pro‐
mote their shared ownership scheme directly to private landlords
Improve access to those in receipt of Local Housing Allow‐
ance
Increase the supply of shared accommoda‐
tion
Number of those re‐
turning before 2 years
Number of households housed in private rented accommoda‐
tion
Payment scheme in place and used to as‐
sist households access private rented accom‐
modation
20 tenancies managed by Derventio
Aim 3 – Increase access to private rented accommodation
Actions
June 2014
Ongoing
Housing Options Team; Registered Providers; Pri‐
vate Landlords; Lettings Agents
2015
Timescale for Comple‐
tion
LDC Housing Options Team; LDC Revenues & Benefits Team; Fusion Credit Union; Private Land‐
lords.
LDC Housing Services; LDC Environmental Health Ser‐
vices; LDC Revenues & Benefits; Derventio Hous‐
ing Trust
Lead and Supporting Partners
Support for Those Who Are Homeless
Support for Those Who Are Homeless
Support for Those Who Are Homeless
Homelessness Strategy Prior‐
ity It Relates To
22 Part two Lichfield District Homelessness Strategy 23 Homes Direct available for private landlords
Consider incentives for private landlords
LDC
LDC; Midland Heart; Bromford Living; Pri‐
vate Landlords
Number of private rented ac‐
commodation advertised on Homes Direct monitored
Options for future delivery identified
Lead and Supporting Partners Outcomes December 2014
2015
Timescale for Com‐
pletion Monitor the impact of the MEAM pilot in Lichfield District
Monitor support services and influ‐
ence commissioners
Identify and under‐
stand problems asso‐
ciated with those with complex needs
Outcomes of pilot scheme reviewed.
Problems of those with complex needs identified
Needs matched with available support services
Gaps in service provision identified
Types and numbers of those with complex needs identified
Options for future delivery con‐
sidered
Services to meet the needs of those with complex needs in place
Action plan devised to address identified gaps in services
LDC Housing Options Team; Tamworth Bor‐
ough Council; VAST; Staffordshire CC
LDC; Support Providers
2015
2015
December 2014
Aim 4 – Work with partners to support those who are vulnerable, especially those with complex need
Marketing campaign completed with private landlords
Identify and consider in‐
centive schemes from other LAs
Options for Private Sector Leasing Scheme explored
Milestones Actions Support for Those Who Are Homeless
Prevention Of Homelessness
Prevention Of Homelessness
Support for Those Who Are Homeless
Support for Those Who Are Homeless
Support for Those Who Are Homeless
Homelessness Strategy Priority It Relates to December 2014
Ongoing
LDC
LDC, SWEP Partners
Report on implications for Lichfield District Council prepared
Monitor the number of rough sleepers accom‐
modated through the SWEP
Monitor the expenditure on temporary accommo‐
dation
The adoption of the West Mid‐
lands No Second Night Out Stan‐
dard considered
The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) activated as ap‐
propriate
Work with partners to ensure services for rough sleepers are available
June 2014
Housing Options Team; Pathway Project; Family Justice Centre
Housing advice to this client group improved.
Protocol with The Pathway Project produced
Impact of closure of Burntwood refuge assessed
Homelessness & Homes Direct applications from refuge residents monitored
Outreach work with Family Justice Centre reviewed
Review Joint working arrangements with Pathway Project and the Family Justice Cen‐
tre
Timescale for Completion Lead and Supporting Partners Outcomes Milestones Actions Support for Those Who Are Homeless
Support for Those Who Are Homeless
Support for Those Who Are Homeless
Homelessness Strategy Priority It Relates too 24 Part Two Lichfield District Homelessness Strategy 25 Young Peoples Protocol moni‐
tored and reviewed
Hospital Discharge Protocol launched and reviewed
Sanctuary Scheme reviewed
Joint working arrangements with mental health services consid‐
ered
Protocols reviewed and updated as appropriate
Options for future delivery considered
Rough Sleeper Outreach Project
monitored and reviewed
Outcomes
Milestones
Monitor the use of bed and breakfast and the reasons for it.
Minimise the use of bed and break‐
fast accommoda‐
tion
To work with temporary
accommodation providers to minimise the number of referrals refused
Information already collected from other Staffordshire LAs ana‐
lysed
Complete the re‐
view of the use of temporary accom‐
modation in Staf‐
fordshire
LDC; Bromford Support Use of bed and breakfast for out of hours enquiries or emergencies only
The use of bed and break‐
fast accommodation caused by case refusal from Bromford Support reduced
LDC; neighbouring LAs LDC; Social Care & Health; Tamworth BC; Pathways; Staffordshire Police; Mental Health Services.
Staffordshire and Shropshire Homelessness Prevention Partnership; Brighter Futures
Lead and Supporting Part‐
ners
Review completed and action plan developed to make any identified im‐
provements
Aim 5 – Reduce The Use of Temporary Accommodation
Improve joint working arrange‐
ments with other services
Actions
June 2014
June 2014
Ongoing
June 2014
Timescale for Completion
Support for Those Who Are Homeless
Prevention Of Homeless‐
ness
Support for Those Who Are Homeless
Prevention Of Homeless‐
ness
Support for Those Who Are Homeless
Homelessness Strat‐
egy Priority It Relates To
June 2014
LDC; Bromford Living; Bromford Support
LDC; Foyer; Staffordshire County Council
Service level agreement relating to temporary accommodation agreed
Agreed outcomes of the review implemented
Report produced on iden‐
tified need and options
Joint review carried out including evaluation of usage, vacancies and types of households accessing temporary accommodation and options investigated.
Client groups who would access direct access accommodation identified
Demand from client groups identi‐
fied
Options for provision if demand is demonstrated considered
Continue to work with Bromford to make best use of their temporary accommodation
Consider the need for direct access accommo‐
dation within the District
December 2014
Timescale for Completion Lead and Supporting Partners Outcomes Milestones Actions Support for Those Who Are Home‐
less
Support for Those Who Are Home‐
less
Homelessness Strategy Prior‐
ity If Relates to 26 Part Two Lichfield District Homelessness Strategy 27 Milestones Carry out review of Housing Options Poli‐
cies, Procedures and Audit Processes
Carry out a Homeless‐
ness Benchmarking ex‐
ercise
Options for ongoing audit of service considered
Policies and procedures reviewed
Benchmarking opportunities via Shrop‐
shire and Staffordshire Homelessness prevention Partnership considered
Further information on temporary ac‐
commodation and prevention col‐
lected.
Available information received from other Staffordshire LAs and our family group LAs reviewed.
Aim 6 – Review, monitor and improve service delivery Actions Audit and continual review processes are in place.
Robust policies and procedures are in place
Review completed and report produced
Outcomes Housing Options Team; Performance and Efficiency Im‐
provement Officer
Housing Options Manager; Senior Housing Options Officer
Lead and Support‐
ing Partners June 2014
June 2014
Timescale for Completion Prevention Of Home‐
lessness
Support for Those Who Are Homeless
Prevention Of Home‐
lessness
Support for Those Who Are Homeless
Homelessness Strat‐
egy Priority It Re‐
lates To KEY : SHORT TERM MEDIUM TERM Potential partners identified
Options for further partnership working considered
Current partnership arrange‐
ments reviewed
Continue to improve and strengthen part‐
nership working
Continue to monitor service performance
LDC position against the 10 chal‐
lenges measured
Partners identified
Further action required to achieve the challenges identified
Potential costs identified
Consider implications of working towards the ‘Gold Standard’
LONG TERM Bi‐annual performance reports produced
Review use of databases for col‐
lecting and analysing perform‐
ance information
Continue to work with the Shropshire and Staffordshire Homelessness Prevention Part‐
nership
Milestones Actions LDC; Identified partners
Options to improve and strengthen partnership working identified.
Improved knowledge of service performance.
Opportunities for fur‐
ther improvements identified
LDC
Shropshire and Stafford‐
shire Homelessness Pre‐
vention Partnership
LDC; Cabinet; Commu‐
nity, Housing & Environ‐
mental Health (Overview and Scrutiny) Committee; Strategic Housing Partnership
Available options to meet each of the 10 challenges considered
Challenges which can be met during the lifetime of the Homelessness Strategy identified
All outcomes within Partnership action plan achieved
All grant allocation spent
Lead and Supporting Partners Outcomes Ongoing
December 2014
2013‐18
Time for Com‐
pletion Support for Those Who Are Homeless
Prevention Of Homelessness
Support for Those Who Are Homeless
Prevention Of Homelessness
Support for Those Who Are Homeless
Prevention Of Homelessness
Homelessness Strategy Prior‐
ity It relates to 28 Part Two ONGOING PART THREE The Review of Homelessness 2013 Contents 1. Introduction and review process 1.1 Background 1.2 Progress since the last strategy 1.3 The review process 2. Context 2.1 National context 2.2 Local context 3. Homelessness in Lichfield District‐ local evidence 3.1 Housing advice/options enquiries 3.2 Current levels of homelessness and trends 3.3 Use of temporary accommodation 3.4 Homeless prevention 3.5 Summary of evidence from our initial review findings 4. Consultation 5. Key issues identified for the Homelessness Strategy 2013‐18 6. Recommended priorities and aims for the Homelessness Strategy 2013‐18 Appendices Appendix A ‐ Progress made on the Homelessness Strategy Action Plan 2008‐13 Appendix B ‐ Homelessness Legislative Framework Appendix C ‐ Homelessness Prevention Activities Appendix D ‐ Comparative Homeless Acceptances Data Appendix E ‐ Issues raised at the consultation event and list of attendees Lichfield District Homelessness Strategy 29 30 Part Three 1. Introduction and review process 1.1 Background The Homelessness Act 2002 placed a legal obligation on all local housing authorities to carry out a review of homelessness in their areas and in consultation with partners and stakeholders, develop and publish a strat‐
egy for tackling and preventing homelessness by 31st July 2003. The Act placed a further obligation on local housing authorities to publish a new Homelessness Strategy every 5 years following a further review of homelessness in their area. Lichfield District Council published its first Homelessness Strategy in 2003 which was revised in 2008 following a full review. The 2008‐13 Strategy identified the following priority areas: To prevent homelessness To provide more settled homes and increase the supply of affordable housing To improve access to services, particularly for vulnerable people To reduce the use of and length of stay in temporary accommodation To improve partnership work and enable effective joint working These priorities and the more detailed strategy action plan have directed our work in relation to the develop‐
ment and provision of services to homeless and potentially homeless households in Lichfield District over the last 5 years. Progress against the strategy action plan has been monitored and good progress has been made. This review will inform an updated Homelessness Strategy for 2013‐2018 and the action plan will build upon the achievements made to date and reflect the current priorities for our district. It will also recognise the sig‐
nificant changes that have taken place in both national and local policy context, economic conditions and de‐
mand for the service since the last strategy was published in 2008. 1.2 Progress since the last strategy Figure 1 below shows that the number of people contacting us for housing advice has significantly increased by nearly 50% from 1101 in 2008/9 to 1642 in 2012/13. However, despite this there has been a significant reduction in the number of homeless applications and acceptances. One explanation for this reduction could be the increased success of homeless preventions which have increased by 432% between 2008‐09 and 2012‐
13. Measure
2003‐04
2008‐09
2012‐13
Housing Advice Enquiries
n/k
1101
1642
Homelessness Applications
302
193
101
Homelessness Acceptances
149
110
89
Successful Homeless Preventions
n/k
40
215
Figure 1: Source Lichfield DC P1E Returns and Housing Enquiries database The progress and delivery of the Homelessness Strategy action plan has been regularly monitored through the corporate performance monitoring framework and also nationally using the P1E homelessness return to government. A full update of all the progress that has been made against the previous action plan can be found in Ap‐
pendix A. Particular examples of good practice and service development include: 











The development of a housing options service, including a housing advice website
Development of the Homelessness Prevention Schemes e.g. Rent Guarantee Scheme and Homeless‐
ness Prevention Fund.
Increased working relationship with private landlords
The introduction of a Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP)
Commissioning of services via the Shropshire/Staffordshire Homelessness Prevention Partnership
The introduction of pilot outreach services at Jigsaw and the Family Justice Centre
A reduction in the use of bed and breakfast accommodation – particularly for families
A reduction in the number of families placed into temporary accommodation
An improved out of hours service
The appointment of a money advisor, in partnership with Bromford Living and the development of a money advice website
Working with National Offender Management Service(NOMS) to assist ex‐offenders in accessing ser‐
vices
The delivery of 205 affordable homes since 2008
The review process This Review of Homelessness provides up to date information about the current and likely future levels of homelessness, the range of services that are currently provided across the district and the resources avail‐
able to both the council and its partners to try and deliver these services. This information has informed our Homelessness Strategy and Action Plan covering the period up to December 2018. The review process has included: 



Summarising changes in policy context at national, regional and local level and identifying how these changes will impact upon our housing options service
Carrying out an updated needs analysis
Identifying any gaps in the current service provision and making recommendations for the new strat‐
egy and action plan
Consultation with all key partners including the Strategic Housing Partnership about issues and priori‐
ties for the future
Lichfield District Homelessness Strategy 31 32 Part Three 2. Context 2.1 National context The government is committed to tackling and preventing homelessness by working in partnership with local authorities, voluntary sector partners and housing associations to deliver a number of key policy aims. Ministerial Working Group on Homelessness In 2010 the coalition government established a cross‐government working group on homelessness which brought together ministers from across 8 government departments to cover the following issues: 







Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) – housing and homelessness
Ministry of Defence – welfare of veterans
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills – adult skills
Department of Health – health and care services
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) – housing benefit
Ministry of Justice – criminal justice
Home Office – crime prevention
Department for Education (DfE) – children and youth services
The aim of the group is to prevent and reduce homelessness and to improve the lives of those people who do become homeless. It is committed to working together to share information and to agree how policies across departments can contribute to helping communities to resolve the many and complex issues that can cause people to lose their homes. The group has concentrated its efforts on looking at people who are living on the street or who are in temporary or insecure accommodation (such as hostels, shelters and squats) and who are at significant risk of rough sleeping. Rough Sleeping The ministerial working group published its first report in July 2011‐ “Vision to end Rough Sleeping, No Second Night out Nationwide”, in which it set out 6 government commitments to end rough sleeping: 1. Helping people off the streets 2. Helping people to access healthcare 3. Helping people into work 4. Reducing bureaucratic burdens 5. Increasing local control over investment in services 6. Devolving responsibility for tackling homelessness The main focus of the report is on single homeless people who are not in ‘priority need’1, including those who are living on the streets and those who are at the greatest risk of rough sleeping because they have lived on the streets or are living in insecure accommodation. The report recognises the need to tackle the broader issues that led to homelessness in the first place. 1
Priority need categories as set out in the homelessness legislation Central to the report is the governments pledge to roll out the principles of ‘No Second Night Out’ which has operated in London since April 2011. This programme aims to ensure that those people who do find themselves sleeping rough to be quickly helped off the streets so they do not spend a second night without a roof. The report also recommends that local authorities will need to build on their existing services to adopt a ‘gold standard’ approach to rough sleeping which meets the “No Second Night Out” principles of:  New rough sleepers should be identified and helped off the streets immediately so that they 



do not fall into a dangerous rough sleeping lifestyle Members of the public should be able to play an active role by reporting and referring people sleeping rough Rough sleepers should be helped to access a place of safety where their needs can be quickly assessed and they can receive advice on their options Rough sleepers should be able to access emergency accommodation and other services such as healthcare, if needed If people have come from another area of the country and find themselves sleeping rough, the aim should be to reconnect them back to their local community unless there is a good reason why they cannot return. West Midlands Homelessness Forum has produced a regional response to the central Government initiative and is asking all local authorities in the West Midlands to sign up. The Council is currently considering the implications of committing to the West Midlands No Second Night Out standard, which contains seven agreed outcomes:  Providing one point of contact for reporting rough sleepers  Extend outreach service across the sub‐region  Rolling out an agreed rough sleepers database in each sub‐region  Co‐ordinating rough sleeper estimates and counts across the sub‐ regions  Co‐ordinating cold weather provision  Offer personalised solutions and individual budgets  Facilitate reconnection Making Every Contact Count In August 2012 the ministerial working group published its second report ‘Making every contact count: A joint approach to preventing homelessness’. The focus of this report is on how services could be managed in a way that prevents all households, regardless of household type, from reach‐
ing a crisis point where they are faced with homelessness. The report had a simple aim – to make sure that every contact local agencies make with vulnerable people and families really counts. It brought together government commitments to: 
tackle troubled childhoods and adolescence ‐ through interventions to turn around the lives of the most troubled families and youth homelessness 
improve health ‐ including improving outcomes for homeless people with dual drugs / al‐
cohol and mental health needs Lichfield District Homelessness Strategy 33 34 Part Three 


reduce involvement in crime ‐ through support to the new Police and Crime Commissioners; improving offender access to private rented sector accommodation; and measures to help those on short sentences retain their tenancy improve skills; employment; and financial advice ‐ through new housing demonstration pro‐
jects which help claimants budget and manage rent payments; a commitment to explore a pay‐
ment by results approach for those some distance from the labour market pioneer social funding for homelessness ‐ through a world first Social Impact Bond for rough sleepers and support to other local commissioners to turn social investment propositions into reality The report states that these are not problems that government can fix alone and states that local authori‐
ties and their partners need to bring these commitments to life. To assist in this the government has set the following ten local challenges that should lead to all local homelessness teams to delivering ‘a gold standard service’ and aspiring to the achievements of the best: 1. Adopt a corporate commitment to prevent homelessness which has ‘buy in’ across all local author‐
ity services 2. Actively work in partnership with voluntary sector and other local partners to address support, education, employment and training needs 3. Offer a Housing Options prevention service, including written advice, to all clients 4. Adopt a No Second Night Out model or an effective local alternative 5. Have housing pathways agreed or in development with each key partner and client group that in‐
cludes appropriate accommodation and support 6. Develop a suitable private rented sector offer for all client groups, including advice and support to both clients and landlords 7. Actively engage in preventing mortgage repossessions including through the Mortgage Rescue Scheme 8. Have a homelessness strategy which sets out a proactive approach to preventing homelessness and is reviewed annually so that it is responsive to emerging needs 9. Not place any young person aged 16 or 17 in bed and breakfast accommodation 10. Not place any families in bed and breakfast accommodation unless in an emergency and then for no longer than 6 weeks Homelessness Prevention The government has continued to provide £80m funding for preventing homelessness through the Busi‐
ness Rate Retention Scheme. The purpose of this funding is to enable local authorities to provide preven‐
tion initiatives, examples of which include rent deposits to help people obtain tenancies in the private rented sector, mediation services, and debt services. More detailed information regarding the homeless‐
ness prevention schemes can be found later in this document in section 3.2. Localism Act The Localism Act 2011 introduced a range of provisions to move ‘power’ from central government back into the hands of communities, individuals and local councils. The most relevant provisions of the Act for this strategy are to:  Allow local authorities to discharge their duties to homeless households by using private rented accommodation  Give local authorities the power to limit who can apply for social housing within their area  Provide for a new form of flexible tenure for social housing tenants Under previous legislation, people who become homeless were able to refuse offers of accommo‐
dation in the private rented sector, and wait until a social‐rented home became available. The pro‐
visions of the Act mean that this is no longer the case and a local authority can discharge its duty by making a reasonable offer of accommodation in the private rented sector. We have developed a policy to define a reasonable offer and to describe how we intend to use this power. More generally, changes to the way social housing is allocated and the length of social housing ten‐
ancies have the potential to have a knock‐on impact on the homelessness service. The potential impact of these was considered in the revision of the allocation policy in 2013, a copy of which can be found at: http://www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=95. Welfare Reform The reforms to the welfare system introduced through the Welfare Reform Act represent the big‐
gest change to the welfare system for over 60 years and are intended to make the benefits and tax credits system fairer and simpler by creating the right incentives to get more people into work whilst protecting the most vulnerable in society. The main provisions are:  The introduction of Universal Credit to provide a single streamlined benefit  A stronger approach to reducing fraud and error with tougher penalties for the most serious offences  Reforms to Disability Living Allowance, through the introduction of Personal Independence Payment  Changes to the Housing Benefits system  Transferring responsibility for managing the Social Fund to local authorities These measures are in addition to the wider reforms being undertaken to housing benefit and the changes to council tax benefit which came into effect in April 2013. Recent measures to reduce Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates have intended to exert a down‐
ward pressure on rents in the private rented sector, however, in popular areas such as this where there is a small but buoyant private rented sector, there is concern that these changes will make it harder for people to find suitable affordable housing in the private rented sector and may threaten the ability of some households to continue to afford their current home. This can only add to the pressure on the housing register and is likely to impact on the homelessness/housing options ser‐
vice. Lichfield District Homelessness Strategy 35 36 Part Three The changes recently implemented through the welfare reforms have had the following implications for households:  Tenants who rent 5‐bed homes have had a reduction in benefit through the limitation of maximum benefit to the cost of a 4‐bed home.  Significant reductions from claimants eligible rent where other adults live with them (typically the claimants own adult children or other relatives) who are either working or claiming in their own right.  The increase in the age threshold for the shared room rate from 25 to 35 leading to single people under the age of 35 facing increased difficulty in accessing suitable accommodation. To help households manage the transition, the government has increased the Discretionary Housing Pay‐
ments Fund which provides additional funding to local authorities to provide support to those households that have been affected by the changes to the housing benefit rules. A copy of our Discretionary Housing Payment Policy which sets out the criteria for applications within the district can be found at: http://
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/downloads/download/1665/discretionary_housing_payment_policy Troubled Families Programme The government launched the troubled families2 programme in February 2013 with the aim to ensure the children in these families have the chance of a better life. As part of the programme, the government agreed to work alongside local authorities to: 



get children back into school reduce youth crime and anti‐social behaviour put adults on a path back to work reduce the high costs these families place on the public sector each year The Government is encouraging local authorities to work with families in ways the evidence shows is more effective, such as:  joining up local services  dealing with each family’s problems as a whole rather than responding to each problem, or person, separately  appointing a single key worker to work intensively with families to change their lives for the better for the long term In Lichfield District a multi‐agency working party has been established to look at identified families chaired by Staffordshire County Council’s District Commissioning Lead which is called ‘Supporting Families in Lich‐
field District’. 2
The Government defined troubled families as those that have problems and cause problems to the community around them, putting high costs on the public sector. The government committed to working with local authorities and their partners to help 120,000 troubled families in England turn their lives around by 2015. Making Every Adult Matter (MEAM) Making Every Adult Matter (MEAM) is a coalition of four national charities – Clinks, Drug Scope, Homeless Link and Mind that has been formed to influence policy and services for adults facing multiple needs and exclusions. Together the charities represent over 1600 frontline organisations working in the criminal justice, substance misuse, homelessness and mental health sectors. The MEAM approach aims to help local areas design and deliver co‐ordinated services for people with multiple and/or complex needs. 2.2 Local context 2.2.1 Local policy and strategies In the period since the last review and strategy in 2008 there have been a number of important de‐
velopments with regard to assisting vulnerable people more effectively in the district. The District Council and Lichfield District Strategic Partnership (LSP)3 have both endorsed and adopted The Plan for Lichfield District 2012‐164 which sets out a shared vision and direction for tackling issues that are important to local residents and businesses. The overall purpose of the plan and the three themes is shown in the next diagram: 3
The District Board is the decision making body of the Local Strategic Partnership which brings together the Council, Staffordshire County Council with the police, fire service, health services and many other local agencies and businesses. 4 This is available at http://www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/downloads/file/4086/a_plan_for_lichfield_district_2012_201
Lichfield District Homelessness Strategy 37 38 Part Three Within the strategic theme of ‘we’ll support people’ there are the following long term outcomes relevant to housing and homelessness:  We’ll help people to be and to feel secure in their homes, neighbourhoods and town and city cen‐
tres by tackling crime and anti‐social behaviour  We’ll help and support vulnerable adults, families and children to live independent and fulfilled lives in their own homes and communities, and prevent homelessness wherever we can  We’ll improve the health and wellbeing of the whole population making sure we make the big‐
gest improvement for people with the lowest life expectancy Within the strategic theme of ‘we’ll shape place’ there is the following long term outcome that is of most relevance to this strategy: 
We’ll work with others to provide access and choice to a range of market specialist and afford‐
able homes that meet the needs of our existing and future residents The District Board is made up of representatives of the Local Strategic Partnership and works through the following groups‐ 
Tamworth and Lichfield Business Economic partnership, 
Sustainable Environment Partnership, 
Lichfield One Place Board 
Strategic Housing Partnership which is chaired by the Head of Neighbourhoods at Bromford Liv‐
ing, the largest housing association in the district 
Health and Well‐Being Group – chaired by Public Health The Housing Strategy 2013‐2017 The Housing Strategy 2013‐2017 was approved in April 2013 and sets out the council’s plans for housing over this period. The vision of the strategy is: ‘To ensure that the housing stock meets existing and future housing needs and includes a wide choice of affordable homes in healthy, safe and sustainable communities’ In developing the strategy the council and its partners identified the following four priorities for housing all of which are of equal importance, for the period until 2017:  Improve housing choice and access to a wide range of affordable homes  Prevent and reduce homelessness  Ensure warm, healthy, well maintained homes, reduce fuel poverty and cut carbon emissions  Support older and vulnerable people to live as independently and healthily as possible These priorities are underpinned by a range of key aims and the Delivery Plan contains a range of actions and initiatives designed to help us address the four priorities in conjunction with our partners. As well as a main strategy document there are four detailed appendices that contain evidence to support the four strategies. The strategy and appendices is available to view at: http://www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/
info/200173/housing_strategy/353/download_our_housing_strategies/2. Other strategies The Staffordshire Flexi Care Housing Strategy 2010‐2015 identifies the number of flexi‐care or ex‐
tra care units that are required in the district to meet current and future needs. For Lichfield District this is an additional 700 flexi care units by 2015 rising to 1,199 by 2030; with a tenure split of 68% owned and 32% rented. The majority of people in a flexi care housing scheme will be over the age of 55 but may include some younger people with disabilities. The 2012 – 2016 Staffordshire Strategy for Tackling Domestic Abuse aims to break the cycle of do‐
mestic abuse within families through four objectives. The first focuses on prevention through, for example, raising awareness and working with young people; the second is to focus on provision by ensuring adequate access to quality services; the third is through partnership; and finally the fourth is to work with perpetrators. The 2012‐2015 Staffordshire Housing Support and Independence Strategy puts in place a 3 year plan to achieve the vision to enable every citizen in Staffordshire to live as independently as possi‐
ble. It is based on a ‘whole life’ approach which joins services up and helps people to take control of their lives. The Lichfield District Local Plan comprises a strategy5 and a land allocations document, with a number of supporting documents which will provide the framework for managing development, addressing key planning issues and guiding investment across the district up to 2028. Within the strategy document is a ‘Homes for the Future’ chapter which sets out the core housing policies including the affordable housing policy, based on evidence contained in the Affordable Housing Viability Study and update, which proposes a target of up to 40% affordable housing on large sites; but it is a flexible policy that allows the council to change the % provision of affordable housing, according to market conditions. 2.2.2 Lichfield District’s housing market Lichfield District has a high level of housing need and there are a number of supply and demand pressures contributing to a growing difficulty in meeting the need for housing within the district. There is a higher proportion than the regional average of the older working age population (40‐65) and people aged between 65 and 79, but a much smaller proportion of younger working age popu‐
lation (20 to 34)6. Due to the ageing population, the number of older people is forecast to increase even further, particularly in the over 80 age group which is forecast to increase by 127% by 20307. This demographic shift will present an increasing challenge for the district, particularly in terms of the impact on the economy of health and social care services and is likely to result in a greater need for smaller and more supported accommodation plus associated support services, to enable elderly residents to live safely and independently within the community, despite growing levels of frailty, disability and dementia. Lichfield is an attractive destination for people to live and has seen significant in‐migration from the West Midlands conurbation and other nearby towns, which has led to increased pressure for housing growth beyond that generated from the local population. The affordability ratio, which is the ratio of house prices to incomes is high, meaning that home ownership is out of reach to many, particularly would be first time buyers. There is also a high incidence of larger detached dwellings and an undersupply of smaller dwellings which limits choice and housing options for residents. 5
This can be viewed online at http://www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/downloads/download/1440/lichfield_district_local_plan_strategy_july_2012 6 Southern Staffordshire Districts Housing Needs study and SHMA update 2012 7 Projecting Older People Population Information system(POPPI) data 2012 Lichfield District Homelessness Strategy 39 40 Part Three Despite a recent slight reduction, the average house price in the district is still out of the reach of many households, with them remaining the highest in Staffordshire for the past 5 years. Another factor limiting housing choice is that the district has a smaller than average private rented sec‐
tor, rent levels are generally higher than surrounding areas and market demand is strong. In addition the district has only a small number of shared houses which is estimated at less than 100. With regards to social housing, the pressure on the housing register (the waiting list for social housing) remains high, with 2910 households live on the UChoose housing waiting list at 31st March 2013, of which 1020 are considered to be in a reasonable preference category8 with a connection to Lichfield, and 343 of whom were classed as homeless or potentially homeless. There is also the potential for further rise in numbers on the housing register, both from households who cannot afford to buy and from households who may have been able to do so but who are currently unable to due to tighter lending cri‐
teria and the need for substantial deposits. In terms of housing supply within the district, like other areas the recession has led to a slow down in house building and particularly a reduction in the new supply of affordable housing. Whilst there is a clear need for additional affordable housing within the district to meet identified needs, it is also impor‐
tant to focus on activity which will allow people to remain in their existing home for as long as possible, and therefore limit additional demand. This means that our homelessness prevention activities have a vital contribution to make by removing the need for people to move when, with help, they could remain in their existing home. Further details on the housing market in the district can be found in the Housing Strategy 2013‐2017. 2.2.3 Local resources The Homelessness / Housing Options service The homelessness and housing advice service is currently delivered by an in house team which consists of 2 housing options officers, a senior housing options officer, a housing options manager and supported by a housing administration officer. The housing options team provide advice and information about a wide range of housing and related is‐
sues. In addition, a number of partners in the statutory and voluntary sector provide advice and assis‐
tance which in many circumstances may prevent a household from having to make an application on the grounds of homelessness. This advice and assistance includes the following housing related issues: 




Landlord and tenant problems/issues Rent/benefits/debt issues Relationship breakdown Problems with neighbours/anti social behaviour Finding accommodation The services offered by the housing options team were significantly enhanced in 2012 when the post of a money advice worker was employed, using some funding from Bromford Living, to provide money advice to households predominantly in the private sector. The money advisor can check benefit entitlement, help with budgets, negotiate with creditors, assist with court representation and make applications for charitable assistance. This service assists households to maximise their income, manage debts effectively and therefore sustain their tenancy or mortgage. As well as offering advice and assistance and seeking to prevent homelessness where ever possible, the team also assess homeless applications to determine whether a statutory duty exists. 35 8
Reasonable preference is defined as being in priority bands 1‐3 and therefore considered to be in some degree of housing need The Local Authority has different duties and powers depending upon the outcome of the 5 tests and these are: 
Pending enquiries ‐ If someone is homeless and in priority need they will be eligible for tem‐
porary accommodation pending enquiries into the rest of their circumstances. 
Unintentionally homeless and in priority need ‐a duty to secure accommodation 
Unintentionally threatened with homelessness and in priority need ‐ there is a duty to take reasonable steps to ensure that accommodation does not cease to be available 
Intentionally homeless – there is a duty to provide advice and assistance and secure accom‐
modation for such period as will give applicant a reasonable period to secure accommodation for him/herself 
Intentionally threatened with homelessness – there is a duty to provide advice and assistance Homelessness Prevention schemes The Council introduced a number of homelessness prevention schemes to enable households to remain in their current accommodation or to obtain alternative accommodation. Further details of the Homelessness Prevention schemes are given in Appendix C. Housing Advice and Guidance Website In October 2011 the Council launched a housing advice and guidance website which allows house‐
holds threatened with homelessness or people needing housing advice to access a range of infor‐
mation and advice tailored to their individual circumstances. The website can be found at: http://
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/info/100007/housing/1456/housing_advice_and_guidance_website Other Local resources Money Advice Website The Council, in partnership with Bromford Living and South East Staffordshire Citizen’s Advice Bu‐
reau, have produced a website to assist those who are struggling with debt or trying to avoid falling into debt. The site contains advice on debt management solutions, advice on benefit entitlement and links to websites, telephone helplines and information resources. There are on average 41 visi‐
tors to the website each month. The website can be found at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/
manageyourmoney Lichfield Foyer Lichfield Foyer is a 26 bed scheme for young people aged 16‐25 who are homeless or in housing need which is run by Midland Heart, a Registered Provider. Applicants to the Foyer must be willing to engage in employment, education and training opportunities whilst living at the scheme. The ac‐
commodation comprises 17 single bedrooms with shared facilities and 9 one‐bed self contained flats at an adjoining property ‐ Aiden Court. There is a training room and IT suite on site. Applicants are required to complete a risk and needs assessment and an affordability assessment before an offer of accommodation can be made. The maximum length of stay is 2 years. The service is staffed 24 hours per day and staff provide housing related support to enable customers to gain the skills required to move‐on into independent living. Self referrals are accepted and the scheme is accredited by the Foyer Federation. Lichfield District Homelessness Strategy 41 42 Part Three Housing Related Support Services There are a number of support services that provide housing related support to various client groups. This support is either provided to the client in their own home, to enable them to be able manage their own affairs e.g. to pay their rent or bills or not cause anti social behaviour so that they can keep their home, or as part of the accommodation offered to them. Figure 2 below details the services available in Lichfield District. Client Group
People with Learning Disabilities
Service Type
Floating Support Service
Service Provider
Lifestyles
Number of units
30
People with Learning Disabilities and Mental Health
Floating Support Service
Bromford
15
Generic, socially ex‐
cluded groups
Floating Support Service
Lichfield Floating Sup‐
port Socially Excluded
60
People with HIV / AIDS
Floating Support Service
Positive Housing Sup‐
port
1
People with Mental Health Problems
Supported Housing (Shared or Self‐
Contained)
Supported Housing Staffordshire
St Matthews Road
16
14
Fugure 2 Temporary Accommodation Where a household has become homeless through no fault of their own, is in ‘priority need’ and ‘eligible for assistance’ the council has a duty to provide temporary accommodation. The council have an agree‐
ment with Bromford Support to provide and maintain accommodation to enable the council to meet this duty. The accommodation is currently provided in two schemes, Edgeworth House in Lichfield and New Gardens in Burntwood together with 4 individual houses. Homes Direct Homes Direct is an online housing register which is a new choice based lettings system for Lichfield District that was launched in July 2013. Bromford Living manages Homes Direct on behalf of the council and work to help local people to find affordably priced homes to rent. Homes Direct can be found at www.homesdirect.org.uk . South East Staffordshire Citizens Advice Bureau (SESCAB) SESCAB provide free, confidential, impartial and independent advice and information on any subject, in‐
cluding debt, money management and housing. They also offer practical help, including filling in forms and drafting letters and negotiate with third parties, including creditors. Support for Victims of Domestic Abuse The Pathway Project and the Family Justice Centre work closely with the council in providing advice and assistance to victims of domestic violence. The refuge run by Pathway provides 14 units of ac‐
commodation for women fleeing domestic violence as well as 25 units of floating support in the district. The floating support service is particularly important because it enables relevant support to be provided at the right time to prevent a housing crisis and where victims have been re‐housed or have had sanctuary measures fitted it assists them in re‐building their lives. Where victims want to be re‐housed our housing options team will work with them, other local au‐
thorities and the relevant support providers to find them suitable permanent accommodation, pro‐
viding housing advice and assistance and making sure they have access to appropriate support. 3. Homelessness in Lichfield District – local evidence 3.1 Housing enquiries We have a duty to provide advice and assistance relating to homelessness and the prevention of homelessness free of charge to anyone threatened with homelessness or in housing need. The provision of timely advice and support is key in preventing homelessness within the district. We can see in Figure 3 below that number of enquiries received and the number of cases that have progressed to each subsequent stage has changed quite significantly since 2008/9. There has been an increase of 49% in the number of enquiries received and the number of cases where homeless‐
ness was prevented has also increased significantly, whilst the number of homeless applications being made has declined. Year
Housing Options Enquiries Received
Cases where homeless‐
ness Prevented / Re‐
lieved
Homeless applica‐
tions
Homeless acceptances
2008‐09
1101
40
193
110
2009‐10
1350
116
124
81
2010‐11
1587
128
142
114
2011‐12
1447
145
142
114
2012‐13
1642
215
101
89
Figure 3 ‐ Total number of enquiries, preventions, applications and acceptances by year. Source: LDC Housing Enquiries Database and P1E Return Lichfield District 43 Homelessness Strategy 44 Part Three An analysis of the main reasons why householders contacted us during 2012‐13 is detailed in figure 4 below where we can see that the main reason for enquiries is relationship breakdown 9 at 43.2% of enquiries, with loss of tenancy being the second highest reason at 26%. Enquiries by Reason 2012‐13
Discharge from
Overcrowding, 23
Rough Sleeping, 13
Prison/Hospital/HM
(1.4%)
Forces, 38 (2.3%)
(0.8%)
Mortgage Issues, 172
(10.5%)
Relationship
Breakdown, 709
(43.2%)
Other, 260 (15.8%)
Loss of Tenancy, 427
(26.0%)
Figure 4: Source: LDC Housing Enquiries Database
It is anticipated that enquiries and the number of households requiring our assistance will remain high and significantly above pre‐recession levels due to a range of issues to be discussed later. The main impacts of this are an increase in waiting times for appointments to see our housing options officers and an increase in the number of households placed in temporary accommodation. 9
This will include domestic abuse. Total Homeless Applications
5. Ineligible
200
180
4. Eligible, but not homeless
160
140
3. Eligible, homeless but not in
priority need
120
100
2. Eligible, homeless and in
priority need, but intentionally
so
1. Eligible, unintentionally
homeless and in priority need
80
60
40
20
0
2008/9
2009/10
2010/11
2011/12
2012/13
Figure 5: Source P1E Return
This reduction however does not fully reflect the national trend as nationally in 2010/11 there was the first increase in homeless acceptances since 2003‐04, with an increase of 10% from 2009/10, compared to a 40% increase in Lichfield District for the same period. In 2011‐12 there was a further increase of 10% nationally, whilst in Lichfield District there was no change and in 2012‐13 the na‐
tional figures have continued with the upward trend, with acceptances increasing by a further 6% from the previous year, whilst in Lichfield District the number has declined by 21%. A comparison with Staffordshire, the West Midlands and England, of the total and the average num‐
ber of homeless acceptances per 1,000 households can be found in Appendix D. In Staffordshire, Lichfield District has had the highest number of homeless acceptances per 1,000 households for the last 4 years. In 2012‐13 there were 2.12 homeless acceptances per 1,000 households compared with 2.37 nationally, although we remain higher than many other Staffordshire Districts. In 2008/9, 58% of homeless applications were accepted as statutorily homeless but by 2012/13 this had increased to 88%. Figure 6 shows the number and percentage of homeless applications where the full homeless duty has not been accepted because the household does not meet the criteria and we can be seen that these numbers have significantly decreased over the last 5 years from a total of 82 in 2008‐09 to 12 in 2012‐13. 10
In assessing what duty is owed to a household that makes a homeless application the Council must consider whether they are: Home‐
less or threatened with homelessness (within 28 days), In priority need or unintentionally homeless. If a household cannot meet these criteria then they will not be accepted as statutorily homeless and they could be found either, not homeless, intentionally homeless or not in priority need, meaning that the Council’s duty towards them is different. Lichfield District Homelessness Strategy 45 46 Part Three Year
Number of ‘Not Homeless’ Cases
Number of ‘Non‐
Priority’ Cases
Number of ‘Intentional’ cases
2008‐09
36 (18.7%)
22 (11.4%)
24 (12.4%)
2009‐08
24 (19.4%)
8 (6.5%)
11 (8.9%)
2010‐11
14 (9.9%)
3 (2.1%)
11 (7.7%)
2011‐12
13 (9.2%)
4 (2.8)
11 (7.7%)
2012‐13
4 (4%)
3 (3%)
5 (5%)
Figure 6: Source: P1E Return In terms of homeless decisions, figure 7 below shows a comparison of the main reasons for homelessness of those accepted as statutorily homeless in Lichfield District between 2008‐09 and 2012‐13. We can see that the main reasons for homelessness have consistently been ‘Parents no longer able or willing to accommodate’ and ‘violence’, with ‘loss of rented accommodation’ become a more significant cause in 2012‐13, reflecting the economic conditions and changes to the welfare system. In the last 2 years we have also seen an increase in the number of households citing rent arrears as the primary cause of their homelessness, again reflecting the economic conditions. Relationship Breakdown remains one of the highest causes of homelessness in Lichfield District; this is covered by 4 categories in figure 7 below (violence, non‐violent breakdown, parents and others no longer willing to accommodate). In 2011‐12 re‐
lationship breakdown accounted for almost 70% of all homeless acceptances, in 2012‐13 this had reduced to 48% but it remains the highest reason. Other reasons for loss of settled
home
Left an institution or LA care
Reasons for Homelessness
100%
80%
Required to leave accomodation
provided by Home Office as asylum
support
Loss or rented or tied
accomodation
70%
Rent Arrears
90%
60%
Mortgage arrears (repossession or
other loss of home)
50%
Harassment, threats or
intimidation
40%
30%
Violence
20%
Non‐violent breakdown of
relationship with partner
10%
0%
2008/9
2009/10
2010/11
2011/12
2012/13
Other relatives or friends no longer
willing or able to accommodate
Parents no longer willing or able to
accommodate
Figure 7: Source: P1E returns The quarterly data returns on those households accepted as statutorily homeless (P1E return) includes information on ethnicity, household type and age of the lead applicant. Figure 8 below shows the household composition by age of the lead applicant for the last 5 years for Lichfield District. Generally between 2008/9 and 2011/12 the percentage of young people be‐
tween 16 and 24 of all homeless acceptances remained broadly the same (35% to 41%). However in 2012/13 this has fallen to 24%. Number of homeless acceptances by Age
120
13
6
4
100
80
62
60
3
3
61
63
60+
64
49
20
25‐59
16‐24
40
42
29
40
47
22
0
2008/9
2009/10
2010/11
2011/12
2012/13
Figure 8 ‐ Source P1E Returns Figure 9 below shows that the majority of known household types include those with children, and in 2011‐12 77% of all households accepted statutorily homeless were in this category. In 2012/13 74% of households accepted as homeless include children, of these 83% are lone parents (57% of all acceptances). It also shows that over 50% of homeless acceptances since 2008/9 have been lone parents and homeless acceptances of couples with children have fallen by 44% since 2009/10. Rough Sleepers In response to the revised government guidance, we have carried out annual rough sleeper esti‐
mates in 2010, 2011 and 2012. The estimates were based on consultation with and verification by local partners likely to encounter rough sleepers during the course of their activities, such as Staf‐
fordshire Police, Substance Misuse Teams and Voluntary and Faith Groups. The returns to govern‐
ment over the last three years were 1 in 2010, 0 in 2011 and 1 in 2012. Due to the small number of identified rough sleepers in the district, to date there has been no pro‐
vision of a dedicated outreach service for them. There is also no direct access hostel or specific sup‐
ported accommodation available for rough sleepers in the district. Gypsies and travellers As part of the Local Plan evidence base11 it was identified that the district has a shortage of authorised gypsy and traveller pitches sites. Throughout the period of the review, only one gypsy and traveller household sought our advice and assistance which resulted in their placement in temporary accom‐
modation and subsequent assistance to obtain private rented accommodation. 11
Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Accommodation Assessment Lichfield and Tamworth October 2012 Lichfield District 47 Homelessness Strategy 48 Part Three 3.3 Use of temporary accommodation Figure 10 shows that the use of temporary accommodation has recently started to rise again, following a fall in use for the period 2008‐09 to 2010‐11. The use of bed and breakfast has fallen in the last 5 years and in 2012/13 fortunately no families were placed in this type of temporary accommodation. Number of households placed in temporary accommodation
70
60
50
62
50
40
51
46
30
B&B
38
35
20
RSL Stock
10
11
0
2008/09
2009/10
12
2010/11
9
RSL Stock
B&B
8
2011/12
2012/13
Figure 10: Source Lichfield District Council Performance Management System Households in Temporary Accommodation March by household 100%
80%
3
4
0
5
7
60%
40%
0
4
1
5
One person household 3
10
7
8
10
4
20%
5
3
0%
1
All other household groups 2
3
Lo
dependent children Couple with dependent children
2008/9 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13
Figure 11 The length of time households have to remain in temporary accommodation has risen again by 1.5 weeks (11.6% increase) in the last year, reflecting the difficulties faced by homeless households in accessing suit‐
able affordable accommodation within the district. However, this is a reduction of 2.8 weeks (16%) since 2008/9 and is a significantly shorter period than it was at the time of the last strategy. There has however, been a steady increase in the length of stay in bed and breakfast accommoda‐
tion over the last 3 years which can be seen in figure 12 below. Length of stay in temporary accommodation
18.0
16.0
17.2
16.3
14.0
12.0
12.5
10.0
14.4
12.9
8.0
B&B
6.0
4.0
RSL Stock
6.4
6.3
2.0
0.1
0.0
2008/09
2009/10
0.6
RSL Stock
1.5
2010/11
2011/12
B&B
2012/13
Figure 12: Source Lichfield District Council Performance Management System The reduction in the use of the temporary accommodation managed by Bromford Support has led to an increase in void periods; these have resulted in an increase in the void loss incurred by Brom‐
ford and the subsequent payments by the council when void loss has exceeded the agreed amount. Figure 13 on the next page shows that the overall number of void days has increased by 50% from 1832 to 2751. In terms of the total percentage of the total temporary accommodation days avail‐
able in the financial year for all 23 units, voids have increased from 22% in 2011/12 to 33% in 2012/13. Temporary Accommodation Void Days 2011/12 Void Days 2012/13 Overall Total Edgeworth House 1175 1611 2,786 New Gardens 493 751 1,244 4 Houses 164 389 553 Total 1832 2751 4,583 Figure13 Lichfield District Homelessness Strategy 49 50 Part Three Comparison with Staffordshire Staffordshire – Use of Temporary Accommodation
Authority
At 31st March 2011
At 31st March 2012
At 31st March 2013
Cannock Chase
5
1
2
East Staffordshire
4
2
7
Lichfield
16
17
17
Newcastle‐under‐Lyme
2
0
1
South Staffordshire
9
4
3
Stafford
5
2
4
Staffordshire Moorlands
16
15
21
Tamworth
5
10
7
Figure 14 We can see in figure 14 above that, Lichfield District Council has consistently been one of the highest users of temporary accommodation in Staffordshire. The reasons for this will be considered as part of a full re‐
view of temporary accommodation during 2013‐14. One reason however may be that there is no direct access hostel accommodation in the district and we have to try to refer clients to provision in neighbouring authorities, such as Birmingham. However, due to increased demand for hostel places, Birmingham has now tightened their local connection criteria for hos‐
tel places and fewer establishments are accepting Lichfield referrals. The lack of affordable housing options and particularly the lack of supported housing in the district are also contributing factors to this. The relatively small private rented sector and lack of shared houses also 3.4 Homeless Prevention Preventing homelessness means assisting people to address their housing and any other associated needs in order to avoid becoming homeless. Prevention activities include those which help a household remain in their current home where possible, or enable a planned and timely move and prevent a crisis situation. Homelessness relief is where the prevention of homelessness is not possible but the Council helps some‐
one secure accommodation, even though there is no statutory obligation to do so. The reasons why people become homeless can be many and varied and often include one or more of the following; family breakdown, domestic violence, debt, drug or alcohol abuse, mental health problems, leaving care and many more. In many situations, if people get the right support and help at the right time then they can be helped before their situation reaches a crisis. We know that people often approach oth‐
ers before the council and therefore we recognise the role of partners in helping to prevent homeless‐
ness. A greater understanding of where people go for assistance at an early stage is needed in order to build a stronger partnership across the district. Figure 15 below shows the number of homeless preventions delivered over the last 5 years. It can be clearly seen that the number of homeless preventions achieved by the housing options team has increased by over 430% in the last 5 years. Number of Homeless Preventions per Year
21
11
12
14
4
2008/0
2009/1
2010/1
2011/1
2012/1
Figure 15: Source P1E return In 2012‐13, 215 households were assisted to successfully prevent or relieve their homelessness, a 48% increase on the previous year. There are two main ways in which households are prevented from becoming homeless. Firstly, households are helped to remain in their own home through activities such as debt advice, repay‐
ment of arrears or resolving issues with rent and/or landlords. In 2012/13, 22% of homelessness preventions in Lichfield District enabled a household to remain in their own homes compared to 47% nationally. Alternatively, households are helped to obtain suitable alternative accommodation through activi‐
ties such as nominations to housing associations or finding them accommodation in the private rented sector or supported accommodation. In 2012/13 78% of homelessness preventions enabled a household to obtain alternative accommodation compared to 53% nationally Figure 16 below shows a breakdown of the homeless preventions in 2012/13 that enabled a house‐
hold to remain in their own home. 23 (48%) households required some form of money advice to resolve their financial difficulties which highlights the value of the service that is available from our money advice worker. Between April and July 2013 the money advisor opened 138 cases and rearranged £525,000 of debts which included priority debts (utilities, mortgage or rent arrears or secured loans). Anecdotal evidence from partners, such as Citizens Advice Bureau, suggests that, despite the introduction of this new money advice service, demand for their services remains high and there is still unmet need for money advice in the district. Lichfield District 51 Homelessness Strategy 52 Part Three Homelessness Prevented 2012/13 – household able to remain in existing home
Home visits
5
Homelessness Prevention Fund
1
Debt Advice
18
Resolving benefit problems
5
Resolving rent or service charge arrears
7
Sanctuary scheme
5
Crisis intervention – emergency support
0
Mortgage arrears interventions or mortgage rescue
6
Total
47
Figure 16 We can also see in figure 16 above that 14% were assisted with resolving rent or service charge arrears, 12% were assisted with mortgage arrears interventions or mortgage rescue and 10% were assisted through the Sanctuary Scheme to install additional security measures. The Council introduced a number of prevention schemes to enable households to remain in their current accommodation and 16 (34%) received assistance from these schemes. The Repossessions Prevention Fund assisted 10 households through loans to pay off rent or mortgage ar‐
rears. Of these, 7 were to assist with rent arrears with the remaining 3 for mortgage arrears. The Sanctuary Scheme enabled 5 households to remain in their existing homes, by the installation of addi‐
tional security measures. The Homelessness Prevention Fund assisted one household to remain in their own homes by paying for the removal of a piece of furniture that was stored in a communal area in contravention of the tenancy agreement. The cost was £14.90 and enabled the tenant who was disabled and on a low income to re‐
main in their flat. In 2012/13 the total cost of this financial assistance to prevent homelessness by assisting a household to remain in their existing home was £20,161 to assist 16 households at an average cost of £1,260. A further 3 households were also assisted through the national Mortgage Rescue Scheme. Homelessness Prevented or Relieved 2012/13 – household assisted to obtain alternative accommodation
Prevented
Relieved
Total
Hostel or House in Multiple Occupation
9
7
16
Private rented accommodation with incentive scheme
40
1
41
Private rented accommodation without incentive scheme
22
8
30
Accommodation arranged with friends or relatives
2
2
4
Supported Accommodation
11
6
17
Social Housing Nomination
32
2
34
Social Housing negotiation ‐ No Nomination
12
4
16
Low cost home ownership scheme
1
0
1
Other
9
9
Total
138
30
168
Figure 17 Of those households whose homelessness was prevented by obtaining alternative accommodation, 42% were able to obtain accommodation in the private rented sector. 36 of the 71 households (51%) were assisted through the Homelessness Prevention Fund with loans for rent in advance, rent deposit or both. Of the 36 households who were assisted by the Homeless Prevention Fund, the majority had dependent children, and most were single parent families. A further 5 households at a total liability of £3,080, were assisted through the Rent Guarantee Scheme where the rent deposit is guaranteed to the landlord with no actual payment being made unless the landlord claims because of damage or rent loss. In 2012/13 a total of £1,290 was paid out where 2 existing guarantees were claimed by the landlord. Overall in 2012/13 41 (24%) received assistance from these schemes to obtain alternative accom‐
modation. The total cost of this financial assistance to prevent homelessness by assisting a house‐
hold to obtain alternative accommodation was £38,231 to assist 41 households at an average cost of £932. In 2006 the Council commissioned Lichfield Foyer to carry out a Homelessness Education Pro‐
gramme by delivering ‘homelessness prevention’ sessions to Year 11 pupils, with the message that the best way to leave home is in a planned way. Since the programme began over a hundred ses‐
sions have been delivered to almost 2,500 pupils. Lichfield District 53 Homelessness Strategy 54 Part Three 3.5 Summary of evidence from our initial review findings Housing Strategy evidence 
There is a higher proportion than the regional average of the older working age population (40‐65) and people aged between 65 and 79 
There is a greater need for smaller and more supported accommodation plus associated support services to enable elderly residents to live safely and independently 
The affordability ratio, which is the ratio of house prices to incomes is high, meaning that home ownership is out of reach to many 
There is a high incidence of larger detached dwellings and an undersupply of smaller dwell‐
ings which limits choice and housing options for residents 
The average house price has remained the highest in Staffordshire for the past 5 years. 
There is a smaller than average private rented sector and rent levels are generally higher than surrounding areas and market demand is strong. 
There is a small number of shared houses which it is estimated at less than 100. 
The pressure on the housing register (the waiting list for social housing) remains high, with 2910 households live on the UChoose housing waiting list at 31st March 2013, of which 1020 are considered to be in a reasonable preference category 13 with a connection to Lichfield District, and 343 of whom were classed as homeless or potentially homeless 
New housing supply within the district, like other areas the recession has led to a slow down in house building and particularly a reduction in the new supply of affordable housing 
Housing enquiries have increased by 43% since 2008 
In 2012/13 43% of housing enquiries were due to relationship breakdown 
In 2012/13 26% of housing enquires were due to the loss of a tenancy 
473% increase in homelessness preventions since 2008 
47% reduction in homelessness applications 
19% reduction homelessness acceptances 
There were 2.12 homeless acceptances per 1000 households is the highest in Staffordshire, compared with 2.37 nationally 12 Reasonable preference is defined as being in priority bands 1‐3 and therefore considered to be in some degree of housing need.

There has been a reduction in percentage of young people aged 16 to 24 accepted as homeless, 53% lower in 2012/13 compared to 2011/12 
In 2012/13 74% of households accepted as homeless include children, of these 83% are lone par‐
ents (57% of all acceptances) 
Over 50% of homeless acceptances since 2008/9 have been lone parents 
Homeless acceptances of couples with children have fallen by 44% since 2009/10 
In 2008/9 58% of homeless applications were accepted as statutorily homeless but by 2012/13 this had increased to 88% 
Use of temporary accommodation has recently started to rise again, following a fall in use for the period 2008‐09 to 2010‐11 
Use of bed and breakfast has fallen in the last 5 years and in 2012/13 no families were placed in bed and breakfast 
In 2012/13 the length of time households have to remain in temporary accommodation has risen in the last year by 1.5 weeks (11.6% increase). This however is a reduction of 2.8 weeks or 16% since 2008/9 
Apart from 2012/13 Lichfield District were the highest users of temporary accommodation in Staf‐
fordshire since 2008/9, with only Staffordshire Moorlands having a higher use 
£400,000 of debts were rearranged by the money advisor between April 2012 and November 2012 
There are on average 41 visitors to the money advice website each month 
In 2012/13 22% of homelessness preventions enabled a household to remain in their own homes compared to 47% nationally 
48% of households able to remain in their own home required some form of money advice to resolve their financial difficulties 
14% were assisted with resolving rent or service charge arrears 
12% were assisted with mortgage arrears interventions or mortgage rescue 
10% were assisted through the sanctuary scheme to install additional security measures 
34% of households enabled to remain in their own homes were assisted by the homeless‐
ness prevention schemes. Lichfield District 55 Homelessness Strategy 56 Part Three 
In 2012/13 78% of homelessness preventions enabled a household to obtain alternative accommo‐
dation compared to 53% nationally 
42% of households were assisted to obtain accommodation in the private sector, of these 51% received assistance through the homelessness prevention fund and 42% were as‐
sisted without any incentive scheme 
33% were assisted into social housing 
10% were assisted into supported accommodation 
10% were assisted to find accommodation in a hostel or ho house in multiple occupation 
The number of rough sleepers in Lichfield District is very low with only 1 rough sleeper identi‐
fied in the official estimate in 2012 
There is no local direct access hostel in the district and a lack of supported accommodation for the single homeless 4. Consultation To test our initial review findings we carried out two consultation excercises. In June 2013, we held an informal consultation workshop with the Strategic Housing Partnership, where we shared our emerging evidence and sought any additional evidence partners could share with us to assist in our review. We then consulted 4 key partners‐ SESCAB, Bromford Support, Midland Heart Foyer, and Pathway to share what we felt our key issues were and asked if these were the experiences of their organisations or if any other issues were also important. A formal consultation event was then held on Tuesday July 16th 2013 at the Council offices to test our ini‐
tial review findings. The event was attended by 21 people representing 14 organisations working with homeless households across the district. A further 6 organisations sent feedback and representations electronically. A full list of attendees at the event can be found in Appendix E. The attendees at the event were asked to consider our emerging evidence and in workshops discuss the key issues that we had identified through our initial review and the informal consultation that had been completed to date. Attendees were also asked to highlight any other areas which from their experience they felt needed attention. Attendees were largely in agreement that the 7 key issues that we had identified were a priority within Lichfield District. Feedback and issues raised during the consultation workshops on each of these areas can be found in Appendix E. 5. Key Issues identified for the Homelessness Strategy 2013‐18 Through our review of homelessness and following consultation with our partners we have identi‐
fied a number of key issues that we need to address in our Homelessness Strategy 2013‐2018. These are as follows: 5.1 Housing Options for Single Non Priority Homeless Households The options for single homeless households within the district are very limited and there is anecdo‐
tal evidence that there is a large element of sofa surfing and sleeping in cars amongst this group. Changes to housing benefit rules mean that single people under the age of 35 are only able to claim benefit for a private rented room in a shared house rather than a self‐contained unit, which will se‐
verely curtail the options available to these households. The lack of shared properties in Lichfield District and the fairly small size of the private rented sector also limit the choices available to single homeless people. There is a lack of direct access and emergency provision for single homeless people in Lichfield Dis‐
trict or the surrounding areas, together with tighter local connection criteria in other local authority area provision. This again the limits options available to single homeless people in an emergency. 5.2 Relationship Breakdown Relationship breakdown has remained consistently the highest cause of homelessness within Lich‐
field District for the past 5 years. In addition it is the most common reason that people make a housing enquiry (43%). In terms of homelessness prevention, there have not been many successes mainly due to the fact that by the time that an enquiry is made to the Council the relationship breakdown has reached a crisis point and mediation services are not suitable. To continue to reduce the number of households that the Council have a duty to house, considera‐
tion needs to be given to how homelessness can be prevented where a relationship has broken 5.3 Temporary Accommodation Apart from 2012/13, Lichfield District has been the highest user of temporary accommodation in Staffordshire since 2008/9. At the same time, however, there has been an increase in the number of void periods in the temporary accommodation managed by Bromford Support which has resulted in loss of their rental income. Whilst the use of bed and breakfast accommodation has fallen over time any future reduction in overall provision of temporary accommodation could impact on this. There is also a lack of provision of direct access or emergency accommodation for single homeless households. Lichfield District 57 Homelessness Strategy 58 Part Three 5.4 Access to the Private Rented Sector There is a smaller than average private rented sector, rent levels are generally higher than surrounding areas and market demand is strong. In addition there are only a small number of shared houses which is estimated at less than 100. Pressure on the housing register (the waiting list for social housing) remains high, which means that ac‐
cess to the social rented housing in the district, is limited. Evidence from partners is that people have to move out of the district to meet their housing needs; how‐
ever rent levels in adjoining areas such as Cannock and Tamworth are also rising which could lead to peo‐
ple needing to move even further afield. The lack of support for private rented tenants also limits the availability of private rented accommodation to homeless applicants, due to the potential increased management issues, particularly in relation to shared accommodation. 5.5 Debt and Welfare reform The reforms to the welfare system introduced through the Welfare Reform Act will have implications for many householders, as there will be increased pressures on individual’s budgets to meet their housing costs without allowing arrears to arise. 48% of households that were assisted to remain in their own homes by the team required some form of money advice to resolve their financial difficulties. The money advisor rearranged £400,000 of debts between April 2012 and November 2012 and there are on average 41 visitors to the money advice website each month. There is limited access to debt and money advice in the district and there is also a perceived lack of aware‐
ness of available services. Accepting the need for debt advice, however, is difficult as people often do not recognise that they have a debt problem until they reach a crisis point and even then some will not ask for, or accept, help. 5.6 Support for vulnerable adults, especially those with complex needs There is a lack of a clear integrated multi‐agency approach to assist people with complex needs and often no single agency will take the lead unless there is a law being broken or a medical danger present. The generic and specialist support services that do operate in the district are limited in the time they can give to individual clients per week and are restricted to ongoing support for a two year period only. This can mean that vulnerable people, particularly those with complex needs do not receive the support they need. Some people need long term support and may never be able to sustain independent living without support. People often live chaotic lifestyles which mean that even if they will engage they often miss appointments and ‘fall out’ of the support system, meaning that they then have to be referred again and support is miss‐
ing. There are service users with low to medium needs who refuse to accept that they have a ‘problem’ and therefore engage with support services. If they refuse to accept help it is almost impossible to get them the help they need. GPs are often reluctant to refer to mental health services or others until addiction issues are re‐
solved, yet these issues are often intrinsically linked and so in the meantime they may continue to present problems which can result in homelessness. The Probation Service has advised us that they find it difficult to resettle ex‐offenders within Lich‐
field due to the lack of available accommodation. 5.7 Access to supported accommodation There is a lack of supported accommodation for particular groups, such as those over 25, young sin‐
gle parents and people with drug and alcohol problems, with access to facilities in neighbouring au‐
thorities limited. There is also a lack of direct access and emergency provision for single homeless people in Lichfield District and there is limited availability in neighbouring areas, such as Birmingham. This together with tighter local connection criteria in other local authority area limits the options available to sin‐
gle homeless people in this district in an emergency. There is limited opportunity to develop new supported accommodation due to the lack of both capital and revenue funding available both locally and nationally. 5.8 Review and monitor service delivery In 2012‐13 we had the highest number of homelessness acceptances in Staffordshire and are also amongst the highest users of temporary accommodation in the County. We need to understand the reasons for this and will be carrying out a benchmarking exercise to help us with this. Although we recognise that we need to continually monitor and review our services, the current economic climate coupled with recent welfare reforms means that we are anticipating a potential increase in demand for our services. The government’s’ gold standard’ initiative has set 10 chal‐
lenges to local authorities (listed in 2.1) and we will therefore be measuring our current services against those challenges to consider any improvements which can be met during the lifetime of this Strategy. However, in light of our current financial constraints, the cost of any improvements needs to be carefully considered and we will therefore firstly look for smarter ways of working and im‐
proved processes to assist us. 6. Recommended priorities and aims for the Homelessness Strategy 2013‐18 Following consideration of the evidence contained in this review and the key issues we have identi‐
fied and consulted upon with our partners, we have identified two strategic priorities and five aims for the Homelessness Strategy 2013‐18. Lichfield District 59 Homelessness Strategy 60 Part Three The priorities are: 
Prevention of homelessness 
Support for those who are homeless The six aims are: 
Assist households to obtain affordable accommodation 
Assist households to remain in their own home 
Increase access to private rented accommodation 
Support those who are vulnerable, especially those with complex needs 
Reduce the use of temporary accommodation 
Review, monitor and improve service delivery Appendices Appendix A Progress made against homelessness strategy action plan 2008—2013 Appendix B Homelessness Legislative Framework Appendix C Homelessness Prevention Activities Appendix D Comparative Homeless Acceptances Data Appendix E Homelessness Strategy Consultation Event Lichfield District 61 Homelessness Strategy 1.1.3 Work with mortgage lenders/ local solicitors/ debt services/ local court to establish an early warning & monitoring system
by the Council
Database reviewed on an ongoing basis, to respond to legislative and other changes.
Review Housing Enquiries Database
Establish a Debt Advisers Forum to facilitate joint working within the District
Establish referral mechanism
Inform relevant partners of Housing Options Service
The Strategic Housing Partnership established a Debt Strategy Sub‐Group in 2010 and, as a consequence, a money advice website was created (www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/manageyourmoney)
We are also working with lenders via the Mortgage Rescue Scheme
contacted and offered money advice.
With the appointment of a Money Advisor, the householders have been where possession proceedings in their area had been commenced.
55 (Rule 55.10), which required mortgage lenders to notify local authorities In October 2009, amendments were made to the Civil Procedure Rules Part Completed
Produce procedure for initial enquiries
Establish local firms/ partners in Lichfield area
All officers rebranded as Housing Options Officers, whose primary function is to prevent homelessness.
Checks being carried out as part of the review of the prevention schemes
Implement system to ensure checks are made 6 months after prevention oc‐
curred to ensure indicator is calculated correctly
1.1.2 Enhance the ‘housing options’ approach operated Employ a permanent Homelessness Prevention Officer
In house enquiries database developed. New CRM system to be considered for initial enquiries.
Investigate the use of Customer Relationship Manager to deal with & record initial enquiries
A review of the homelessness prevention schemes is to be undertaken as part of the review of the Homelessness Strategy
Lichfield Housing Options website developed. Leaflets reviewed and new ones produced.
Monitor targets through Performance Indicators (PI’s)
Homelessness prevention is monitored via performance indicators, not only in terms of overall numbers but via individual schemes.
Set individual targets for Housing Options Officers
Progress as at May 2013 Targets no longer required, as prevention is now embedded within the Hous‐
ing Options Team. Targets to be considered for the number of homelessness applications.
Milestones Establish targets by comparison with high performing authorities to find bench‐
mark level
APPENDIX A Review existing literature and promotional materials to ensure up to date
1.1.1 Establish & monitor prevention targets for the Homelessness Service and individual Housing Options Officers
Action Priority 1: PREVENT HOMELESSNESS OBJECTIVE 1.1 Improve and enhance homelessness prevention activities of LDC PROGRESS MADE AGAINST HOMELESSNESS STRATEGY ACTION PLAN 2008‐2013 62 63 New DHP Policy produced jointly by Housing Services and Revenues and Benefits
Draft the monitoring system
1.2.1 Monitor effectiveness of prevention initiatives funded or part funded by LDC but provided by partners and evaluate future options for delivery
Monitor the number of sessions provided in schools and number of pupils attending.



Contact other organisations to ascertain funding opportunities
Decide on level of future funding
Meet with Foyer and SP to agree future of the scheme
Nightstop


Obtain & Monitor figures on homelessness prevention through debt advice
Debt Advice Service
Education Programme
Money Advice Service operational and monitored.
Scheme no longer operational
Number of sessions, number of pupils attending and satisfaction levels of attendees monitored through PI’s (Covalent)
DHP Policy reviewed in light of welfare changes and additional income re‐
ceived
Review Sanctuary Scheme as part of county wide review of Sanctuary Schemes.
Not carried out. To be part of review of Homelessness Strategy as relation‐
ship breakdown still highest cause of homelessness.
Review to be carried out as part of Homelessness Strategy review
Progress as at May 2013
APPENDIX A Access & review best practice
 Evaluate delivery and outcomes of Sanctuary Scheme
 Revised Scheme operational by April 09
Sanctuary Scheme
 Evaluate success of home visits
 Complete Mediation Training for all HOO
base
Home visits/ Mediation services
 Evaluate success of the fund
 Review Homelessness Prevention Fund (HPF) procedure and data‐
Homelessness Prevention Fund
Milestones
OBJECTIVE 1.2 Improve and enhance homelessness prevention activities of partners
1.1.5 Develop system to monitor the use of Discretion‐
ary Housing Payment as a Homelessness Prevention Tool
1.1.4 Monitor effectiveness of LDC prevention initia‐
tives/projects and evaluate future options for delivery
Action
OBJECTIVE 1.1 Improve and enhance homelessness prevention activities of LDC contd
Priority 1: PREVENT HOMELESSNESS
PROGRESS MADE AGAINST HOMELESSNESS STRATEGY ACTION PLAN 2008‐2013 1.2.3 Work more closely with Homezone Living (now Bromford Living) & other RSL’s regarding Homelessness Prevention through the Housing Solutions group.
1.2.2 Establish a homelessness forum to find ways to improve and coordinate housing advice services to homeless people
Action
Produce New Public Information Leaflets
Produce Guidance Notes for RSL call centres
Provide Training to RSL Staff
Present Prevention Training proposals to Housing Solutions
Explore the new initiatives identified at the Consultation event Sept 2008
Consider each RSL Homelessness Plan
Establish and agree terms of reference
Establish list of attendees from previous forum attendees of Homelessness Strat‐
egy Steering Group
Set up list of meeting dates
Milestones
OBJECTIVE 1.2 Improve and enhance homelessness prevention activities of partners contd
Priority 1: PREVENT HOMELESSNESS
rum, as part of the review of the Housing Options Service.  Consideration to be given to the creation of a Homelessness Fo‐
Improve quality of advice and information given to households approaching for housing advice; ensure that all LA partners are offering a minimum standard of advice including written advice in plain English. Homelessness Prevention Partnership to achieve outcome 7:
 Working in partnership with the Shropshire and Staffordshire through funding from the Advice Services Transition Fund.
 Working in partnership with Lichfield RAFT (Right Advice First Time) APPENDIX A Attendance at Housing Solutions meetings was sporadic and consequently the meetings were discontinued.
RSL’s were invited to attend the Strategic Housing Partnership meetings but attendance continues to be sporadic.
No joint working arrangements have therefore been made
Better co‐ordination of advice services may be achieved by:
Homelessness Forum not established.
Progress as at May 2013
PROGRESS MADE AGAINST HOMELESSNESS STRATEGY ACTION PLAN 2008‐2013 64 61 for 16‐25 year olds
1.2.5 Training in maintaining and managing a tenancy 1.2.4 Ensure the introduction of UChoose does not disadvantage vulnerable groups.
1.2.3 Work more closely with Homezone Living (now Bromford Living) & other RSL’s regarding Homelessness Prevention through the Housing Solutions group.
Progress as at May 2013
The Shropshire and Staffordshire Homelessness Prevention Partnership has commissioned a project to increase the amount of shared accommodation available in the private rented sector to those under 35. This will include an element of tenancy training.
See above
Raise the co‐ordination of prevention activities with member of Housing Solutions Group
Identify all organisations with tenants or potential tenants of this age
Training already underway for HomeZone tenants. Consider widening the train‐
ing to include other Registered Social Landlords and private sector landlords
Meeting with Lichfield Foyer carried out and statistics obtained. Number of evictions has fallen significantly since Homelessness Strategy produced.
Develop SLA to ensure visits are carried out to Foyer residents where threats of eviction have been made
Vulnerable Applicants Policy produced as part of UChoose system.
UChoose moving to Homes Direct July 2013. A Vulnerable Applicants Policy will also be produced for the new system.
Allocations Policy reviewed.
Not achieved.
Create leaflet for tenants who are in breach of tenancy because of ASB
Review Your Choice reports to ensure UChoose reports identify relevant issues
Underoccupation has become an issue in light of the Spare Room Subsidy regulations.
Agreed to produce Eviction Protocol with Bromford Living (formerly Home‐
Zone Living) and extend to other RSL’s when established.
See above.
APPENDIX A Raise with Homezone & other RSL’s the promotion of the tenants incentive scheme
Review/ re‐establish protocol with Homezone Living & Other RSL’s regarding evictions including data protection issues, warrant applications etc.
Discuss Eviction Protocol with Housing Solutions Group
Priority 1: PREVENT HOMELESSNESS
OBJECTIVE 1.2 Improve and enhance homelessness prevention activities of partners contd
Action
Milestones
PROGRESS MADE AGAINST HOMELESSNESS STRATEGY ACTION PLAN 2008‐2013 large sites (N.B. %age to be revised)
current local plan policy of 25% affordable housing on 2.1.5 Undertake rigorous s106 negotiations to achieve 2.1.4 Continue close working relationship with Develop‐
ment Partnership (DP) to identify new opportunities for affordable housing and monitor progress of the develop‐
ment programme.
Milestones
Completed
Completed & revised
Draft AVHA Report received
Final AVHA Report Agreed
Evidence Base was completed and has subsequently been updated
Completed
Progress as at May 2013
Target was adjusted but was met and monitored annually
Target of 50 affordable units p.a. (to be reviewed in line with LDF)
See above
Completed
4 meetings of Development Partnership per annum to be held
Target 50 affordable units built p.a. Monitor via DP meetings
APPENDIX A Policies were complete & are being Examined in Public in July 2013
Agree tender brief and appoint Consultant to complete AHVA
 Agree final report of SHMA with C1 and Outside UK
 Agree final version of Rural study
 Liaise with Planning Policy Team to agree sign off
 Complete Housing Background paper
 Revise affordable housing policy
Participate in all consultation on the emerging LDF and development of Core Strategy.
OBJECTIVE 2.2 Maximise the use of existing stock
2.1.3 Complete evidence base for revised LDF: Afford‐
able Housing Viability Assessment (AHVA)
2.1.2 Complete evidence base on housing needs for revised LDF: SHMA and Rural Housing Needs Survey
2.1.1 Ensure the revised LDF takes account of identified need for affordable housing and work with planning policy team to develop revised policy
Action
OBJECTIVE 2.1 Maximise the supply of new affordable housing
Priority 2 : PROVIDE MORE SETTLED HOMES AND INCREASE THE SUPPLY OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING
PROGRESS MADE AGAINST HOMELESSNESS STRATEGY ACTION PLAN 2008‐2013 66 67 Quarterly Working Group meetings
Completed
2.3.1 To continue work to liaise with Private Sector Landlords contd.
2.3.1 To continue work to liaise with Private Sector Landlords
Rent Guarantee Scheme established but use is limited.
Lichfield District Private Landlords’ Forum continues to meet quarterly
Pilot scheme introduced to manage two LDC properties
Facilitate the meetings of the Private Landlords Forum
Work with Homezone Living to consider the introduction of a Private Sector Leasing Scheme
12 landlords accredited. To promote accreditation at remaining Fora in 2013
Promote Landlords Accreditation Scheme
Investigate the development of a Rent Deposit Scheme
Database continually updated and group of landlords willing to engage identified
Engage with private landlords and update database
OBJECTIVE 2.3 Work with private landlords to increase the supply of accommodation available to homeless households
2.2.4 Develop & Maintain database of empty properties and record action taken
Completed
Policy was developed and revised – Kickstart and subsequent schemes were joined and monitored
Facilitate quarterly meetings of the Empty Property Steering Group
Meetings attended although Housing Solutions was suspended in 2011 and combined with SHP
This was not pursued although case work was undertaken
Finalise Strategy

Progress as at May 2013
Equity Share Schemes have been promoted in partnership with Orbit Homebuy
APPENDIX A Complete review once Private Sector Strategy completed
Investigate joining Kickstart

2.2.2 Finalise the revised Private Sector Housing Strategy and Assistance Policy to identify the type and level of support that the Council has available to deal with non‐
decent homes.
2.2.3 Review the Empty Property Strategy to incorporate new legislation
Ongoing ‐ attend meetings DP, SHP, Hsg Solns
2.2.1 Work with RSL’s to maximise use of their stock and adapt where necessary.
Milestones
Raise and monitor through Housing Solutions Group and Development Partnership meetings
2.1.6 Work with partners to promote HomeBuy and innovative housing options such as Try before you buy
OBJECTIVE 2.2 Maximise the use of existing stock
Action
Priority 2 : PROVIDE MORE SETTLED HOMES AND INCREASE THE SUPPLY OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING contd
PROGRESS MADE AGAINST HOMELESSNESS STRATEGY ACTION PLAN 2008‐2013 Start Service
3.1.6 Review the operation and funding of the New people in the district.
Lives’ agenda and the impact on services to vulnerable derstand the issues and consequences of the ‘Changing 3.1.5 Continue to actively engage with Staffs CC to un‐
groups, Officers Board and Commissioning body
3.1.4 Continue local representation on SP development tion: Cornerstone, TCHA and New‐Start
porting homeless families in temporary accommoda‐
Complete review
Develop bid for SP funds and prepare report for SP Board
Attend local LAA Healthier Communities; Older People’s theme groups and chang‐
ing lives delivery group.
Attend the Quarterly meetings of Board and Comm. body.
New Start Service discontinued. Floating support for temporary accommo‐
dation provided by Bromford Support
No longer relevant
Ongoing through Housing Services Manager
Service level agreement produced with Bromford Support
Review the service quarterly
3.1.3 Monitor referral arrangements in place for sup‐
Information obtained from all support service providers.
Support schemes identified and added to Lichfield District Housing Options website
Completed
Meet with providers to discuss their support services
Carry out mapping exercise of all support schemes in Lichfield district
APPENDIX A LDC Officers attend steering groups of SEGS Support Service and Changing Lives Support (Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Service)
Progress as at May 2013
Engage in consultation on revised SP strategy
Young People
Substance Misusers
People with mental health problems & learning disabilities
high & low risk offenders
Convene Floating Support Forum
Milestones
3.1.2 Work with providers and Supporting People to prioritise the need and identify options to increase supported accommodation and floating support in the district in line with SP Strategy.




3.1.1 Work with SP, RSL’s and agencies delivering floating support to monitor the effectiveness of exist‐
ing schemes and access additional support for:
Action
OBJECTIVE 3.1 Review support services available to vulnerable people
Priority 3: IMPROVE ACCESS TO SERVICES PARTICULARLY FOR VULNERABLE PEOPLE
PROGRESS MADE AGAINST HOMELESSNESS STRATEGY ACTION PLAN 2008‐2013 68 69 New handy person scheme to be launched January 2009
3.2.3 Monitor the new handyperson scheme run by Spirita HIA to assist the most vulnerable households across Southern Staffordshire
districts
supported accommodation for young people in the two Develop scheme
Finalise SP and HC funding for proposal
Agree Location for Lichfield scheme
Obtain SP Funding, in principle
4.1.3 Work with Tamworth BC and partners to develop nent accommodation.
in the district for use as affordable housing for perma‐
Scheme discontinued due to funding and siting difficulties
Not appropriate in the market
Completed
Ensure all staff in Housing Dept aware of protocol, procedures & proforma through Team Meeting briefing
Identify possible ESD ’s & funding streams & monitor progress
Service level agreement produced and awaiting ratification
Develop a draft protocol with HomeZone for Temporary Accommodation Place‐
ments.
4.1.2 Identify opportunities to fund the purchase ESD’s Proforma produced and in use
Develop a pro‐forma for all Temporary Accommodation – to be signed by Senior Officer before a placement is made
4.1.1 Review LDC procedures for placement into tempo‐
rary accommodation
Progress as at May 2013
Milestones
Action
OBJECTIVE 4.1 Reduce the use of Temporary accommodation
APPENDIX A Launched but ended in October 2012 when County funding withdrawn.
Completed
Completed
Progress as at May 2013
Priority 4: REDUCE THE USE OF AND LENGTH OF STAY IN TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION
Monitor Performance Indicators, Budget Spend & Customer Satisfaction of Spirita Care & Repair Quarterly
3.2.2 Continue to fund DFG’s and continue financial assistance given to Spirita HIA
Monitor Performance of Spirita Care & Repair Quarterly
Milestones
3.2.1 Continue multi agency work on aids and adapta‐
tions
Action
OBJECTIVE 3.2 Improve services that allow vulnerable people to remain in their own homes
Priority 3: IMPROVE ACCESS TO SERVICES PARTICULARLY FOR VULNERABLE PEOPLE
PROGRESS MADE AGAINST HOMELESSNESS STRATEGY ACTION PLAN 2008‐2013 Review the operation of new system
4.2.5 Monitor the impact of UChoose on length of stay in Temporary Accommodation
Forums
Housing Solutions Group
Young People’s Housing & Homelessness Forum
Mental Health & Housing Forum
Homelessness Forum
Other protocols identified and included in other areas of this action plan
Draft Hospital Discharge Protocol developed.
No protocol developed but joint working through FJC
Young Persons’ Housing Protocol still not finalised
Review & Revise Social Care & Health Protocol
Review & revise DV Protocol
Protocol agreed
Finalise Probation Protocol
5.1.1 Review existing protocols and service level agree‐
ments that are in place with partners and key agencies providing services to homeless and potentially home‐
less people
5.1.2 Identify new protocols needed through existing Progress as at May 2013
Milestones
Action
OBJECTIVE 5.1:Ensure effective protocols are in place with key agencies involved with homeless and potentially homeless people
Priority 5: IMPROVE PARTNERSHIP WORK AND ENABLE EFFECTIVE JOINT WORKING TO IMPROVE SERVICES TO CUSTOMERS
For Bromford Support, PI revised to:
To assist those in temporary accommodation, no longer eligible to remain, to access alternative accommodation.
Target 100%
Repeat action for Homes Direct.
NewStart PI ‐ Target of 50% for 2008‐9
4.2.4 Liaison with NewStart to facilitate move on ac‐
commodation for those applicants in temporary accom‐
modation not owed a full housing duty
No longer applicable
Review procedure once move to Homes Direct completed.
Bid monitoring procedure developed and in use
Obtain written agreement with HomeZone not to advertise void properties in Band 1 wherever possible if reason for void is 'abandoned' or 'evicted'
Monitor effectiveness of new procedure
Progress as at May 2013
Performance monitored via Covalent. 86% in 2012‐13
APPENDIX A 4.2.3 Liaise with HomeZone about reallocation of prop‐
erties to Band 1 on a weekly basis up to April 09
Consult with Homezone Living & NewStart regarding bid monitoring process & Obtain agreement for new procedure
Produce a draft bid monitoring procedure
4.2.2 Review bid monitoring procedure
Milestones
80% of decisions made within 25 days of application being taken
4.2.1 Ensure all occupants receive decision as soon as possible and within 25 day timescale in at least 80% of cases
Action
Objective 4.2 Reduce the length of stay in Temporary Accommodation
Priority 3: IMPROVE ACCESS TO SERVICES PARTICULARLY FOR VULNERABLE PEOPLE
PROGRESS MADE AGAINST HOMELESSNESS STRATEGY ACTION PLAN 2008‐2013 70 71 Develop an on‐line Homelessness Directory
Review homelessness directory
Milestones
5.3.2 Develop initiatives to promote financial inclusion and improve debt advice services within Lichfield Dis‐
trict
other relevant partners
by improving relationships with DWP & Job Centre & 5.3.1 Develop initiatives to help prevent worklessness Milestones
Develop draft initiatives
Assess current activity
Facilitate Debt Advisers Forum
Develop draft initiatives
Carry out review of Strategic Priorities of all partners
Review HAPI performance monitoring framework and how it might be imple‐
mented in Lichfield District
Obtain copy of Housing Advice Performance Indicators performance monitoring framework
Develop Action Plan through Homelessness Forum
OBJECTIVE 5.3: Develop new initiatives with partners
5.2.3 Ensure homelessness prevention is reflected in the strategic priorities of our partners
5.2.2 Investigate Housing Advice Performance Indica‐
tors performance monitoring framework developed by the Association of Housing Advice Services
ods of data capture on prevention activities
5.2.1 Work with Homelessness Forum to devise meth‐
Action
OBJECTIVE 5.2: Improve collection of information on homelessness prevention activities
5.1.3 Review the information available on the housing advice services that are included in the Homelessness Directory
Action
Progress as at May 2013
APPENDIX A Strategic Housing Partnership developed a Debt Strategy Sub‐Group, which has developed a list of objectives, most of which have been met by the de‐
velopment of a money advice website – Manage Your Money – www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/manageyourmoney
Housing Options Manager housing representative on the Lichfield District In To Work Group
Not completed
HAPI’s to be reconsidered now that prevention is sufficiently embedded in Housing Options Team activity.
PI’s not utilised, as prevention activity not sufficiently developed.
No current method of data capture for Lichfield District.
No Homelessness Forum developed. LDC prevention data monitored via Covalent.
Progress as at May 2013
Lichfield District Housing Options website produced.
OBJECTIVE 5.1:Ensure effective protocols are in place with key agencies involved with homeless and potentially homeless people
Priority 5: IMPROVE PARTNERSHIP WORK AND ENABLE EFFECTIVE JOINT WORKING TO IMPROVE SERVICES TO CUSTOMERS contd
PROGRESS MADE AGAINST HOMELESSNESS STRATEGY ACTION PLAN 2008‐2013 72 KEY TO DELIVERY PLAN: Staff HSM (CG) Housing Services Manager, Clive Gibbins HOM (DW) Housing Options Manager, David Whittaker SM (LR) Housing Strategy Manager, Lucy Robinson SO (RF) Housing Strategy Officer, Rachel Frondigoun SHOO (TW) Senior Housing Options Officer, Tiffany Whyte HOO (AT) Housing Options Officer, Allan Tranter HOO (BDB) Housing Options Officer, Beverley Dickinson‐Broomfield SPO (MB) Senior Planning Officer, Matthew Bowers Partners/ Agencies SHP – Strategic Housing Partnership
HSG – Housing Solutions Group
DP – Development Partnership
HC – Housing Corporation
WMRA – West Midlands Regional Assembly
SP – Staffordshire Supporting People Team
CAB – Citizens Advice Bureau
PLF – Private Landlords Forum
RSL’s – Registered Social Landlords
LDC – Lichfield District Council
TBC – Tamworth Borough Council
DV Forum – Domestic Violence Forum
C1 HMA – Central 1 Strategic Housing Market Area (incl. TBC, LDC, Solihull MBC & Birmingham CC )
HIA – Home Improvement Agency(Spirita)
DAT – Drug Action Team
CCCHC – Cannock Chase Churches Housing Coalition
APPENDIX B ‐ Homelessness Legislative Framework The 5 tests in detail: The 5 tests are applied in order; for example if the applicant is not eligible then the local authority will not assess whether they are in priority need. Test 1: The local authority must first decide if the person is eligible for assistance. The only persons who are ineligible are some people from abroad or returning from abroad. Test 2: Is the person homeless / threatened with homelessness? A person is homeless if they have no accommodation anywhere in the world (other than temporary crisis accommodation e.g. women’s refuge) available for their occupation. A person is also homeless if they have accommodation but‐  they cannot secure entry to it, or
 it consists of a moveable structure, vehicle or vessel designed or adapted for human habitation and there is no place where he is entitled or permitted both to place it and to reside in it, or
 it would not be reasonable for the person to continue to occupy it, Accommodation does not have to be settled or permanent. Other relevant matters to be consid‐
ered in relation to whether it is reasonable for a person to continue to occupy accommodation in‐
clude: 





Location;


a person who normally resides with him as a member of his family, or
Physical conditions;
Overcrowding;
Legal conditions (e.g. status of tenancy agreement);
Financial conditions (affordability); and
Employment. In addition, it is not reasonable for a person to continue to occupy accommodation if it is probable that this will lead to domestic violence or other violence against him/her or against‐ any other person who might reasonably be expected to reside with him When is a person threatened with homelessness? A local authority has to undertake the same enquiries for someone who is threatened with home‐
lessness as someone who is actually homeless. Someone is threatened with homelessness when they will be homeless within 28 days, eg. When an order for possession of their property has been made and it expires within 28 days. If the local authority does not think the person will actually be homeless eg. Because they believe they can do something to prevent the homelessness (for in‐
stance mediate to prevent eviction by relatives), they may not take an application. 73 74 Test 3: Is the person in priority need? The law only requires local authorities to provide accommodation for certain groups of homeless people, who are defined as having a “priority need for accommodation”. These groups are: 


A pregnant woman or a person with whom she resides or might reasonable be expected to reside
A person with whom dependent children reside or might reasonably be expected to reside
A person who is vulnerable as a result of old age, mental illness or handicap or physical disability or other special reason, or with whom such a person resides or might reasonable be expected to reside

A person who is threatened with homelessness as a result of an emergency such as flood, fire or other disaster Additional Priority Need Categories (extended through the 2002 Act) are: 

16 & 17 year olds other than those that social services are responsible for accommodating


People who are vulnerable as a result of violence or threats of violence
Care leavers under the age of 21 who were looked after by social services when they were 16 or 17 (some exceptions apply)
People who are vulnerable as a result of a prison, armed forces or care background Where applicants have a ‘priority need’ for accommodation the Council is under a duty to provide suitable temporary accommodation. For homeless people not in priority need (i.e. ‘non‐priority’), there is no duty to provide accommodation but the Council must still provide advice and assistance. Test 4: When is someone intentionally homeless? A person becomes homeless intentionally if: “he deliberately does or fails to do anything in consequence of which he ceases to occupy accommodation which is available for his occupation and which it would have been reasonable to continue to occupy.” There is no requirement that a person deliberately becomes homeless, merely that he deliberately did or failed to do something as a result of which he became homeless. If the authority is satisfied that the applicant is intentionally homeless there is no long term housing duty. Test 5: When does someone have a local connection? Most authorities consider whether the applicant has a local connection with their area. If the applicant does not have such a connection, the LA can refer the client to be housed by another LA where they do have a local connection. If the applicant does not have a local connection elsewhere, the LA to whom they made the application will consider their application. A person may have a local connection with the district of a local housing authority based on one of the four grounds: 
because he is, or in the past was, normally resident there, and that residence is or was of his own choice;



because he is employed there;
because of family associations, or
because of special circumstances Family associations do not usually extend beyond parents, adult children and brothers and sisters. APPENDIX C ‐ Homelessness Prevention Activities 1. Homelessness Prevention Fund The Homelessness Prevention Fund is a sum of money available to front line officers to use where homelessness and/or the use of temporary accommodation can be prevented or brought to an end. This financial assistance is given in the form of a loan. To be eligible an applicant must: 
Be aged 18 or over 
Be homeless or threatened with homelessness 
Be in a priority need category. 
Have a local connection to the Lichfield District 
Be unable to obtain the necessary funding from any other source. 
Agree to the terms and conditions of the Homelessness Prevention Fund. 
To have undertaken financial advice, where this is available 2. Repossessions Prevention Fund The Repossessions Prevention Fund is designed to enable households at risk of homelessness through repossession or eviction to remain in their homes with the assistance of a loan. To be eligible an applicant must: 
Be aged 18 or over 
Be homeless or threatened with homelessness 
Be in a homeless priority need category 
Have a local connection to Lichfield District 
Be unable to obtain the necessary funding from any other source 
Agree to the terms and conditions of the Repossessions Prevention Fund 
Be threatened with eviction or repossession because of rent or mortgage arrears 
To have undertaken financial advice 3. Rent Guarantee Scheme This scheme is to assist homeless household’s access private rented sector accommodation. Using this scheme the Council will provide a guarantee against the value of the rent deposit or rent in ad‐
vance, rather than it being actually paid to the landlord. The amount guaranteed will be up to the value of a maximum of six weeks rent for a deposit and a maximum of four weeks for any rent in advance. The guarantee will finish at the end of the tenancy or after 2 years, whichever comes sooner. At the end of the guarantee, in the event of any agreed damage to or loss of a fixture or fitting by the ten‐
ant during the tenancy or rent arrears, the landlord will be entitled to claim an amount equal to the value of the damage or loss up to the maximum amount guaranteed. If this happens, the Council will seek to recover from the tenant any monies that have been paid to the landlord. To be eligible an applicant must: 
Be aged 18 or over 
Be homeless or threatened with homelessness 
Be in a priority need category. 
Have a local connection to the Lichfield District 
Be unable to obtain the necessary funding from any other source. 
Agree to the terms and conditions of the Rent Guarantee Scheme 75 76 4. Sanctuary Scheme The Sanctuary Scheme began in Lichfield in 2007 and has, in the past, received financial contributions through the Safer Community Partnership and Bromford Living. The overall aim of the scheme is the prevention of homelessness by ensuring that with the addition of ap‐
propriate security measures, victims of domestic abuse and other violent crimes are able to remain in their homes and feel both safe and secure in doing so. Scheme criteria: 
The Sanctuary Scheme is available to any person living in Lichfield District who is threatened with homelessness due to domestic abuse, hate crime, racial harassment or other violence. 
The additional security measures to the victims’ home must prevent a homelessness applica‐
tion. 5. Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) The aim of this protocol is to ensure that rough sleepers are not at risk of getting hypothermia or dying during periods of severe weather in Lichfield District. The protocol provides temporary accommodation for any rough sleepers in Lichfield District if the tem‐
perature is predicted to fall below zero degrees Celsius for three consecutive nights. To be eligible, a person must only be at risk by sleeping rough in severe weather when the Protocol is in force, and accept the assistance offered regardless of their eligibility under the homelessness legislation. 110
26
67
160
86
89
Lichfield
Newcastle‐under‐
Lyme
South Staffs
Stafford
Staffs Moorlands
Tamworth
2.9
2.1
3.0
1.5
0.5
2.8
1.4
1.9
1.7
52
1.3
0.5
0.3
2.0
0.6
0.7
3.2
1.9
75
68
21
17
81
27
28
7,100
40,020
Total
No. per 1,000 household
2009‐10
72
100
50
62
7
114
49
51
8,440
Total
44,16
0
2.32
2.50
0.94
1.44
0.13
2.85
1.09
1.31
3.76
No. per 1,000 household
2.03
2010‐11
Data for West Midlands region for 2012‐13 was not published in the Live Table 1
Figure * : Source: CLG Live Table 784, from P1E Returns
62
East Staffs
8,670
1.9
3.9
53,430
75
2.5
Total
2008‐09
No. per 1,000 household
Cannock Chase
WEST MIDLANDS
ENGLAND
2.25
90
3.45
1.19
63
107
1.16
0.11
2.85
0.53
1.05
3.82
50
6
114
24
41
8,560
Total
50,29
0
No. per 1,000 household
2.31
2011‐12
68
74
48
33
13
89
2.13
1.80
0.87
0.75
0.24
2.12
0.72
0.68
27
34
n/a1
n/a
Total
53,54
0
No. per 1,000 household
2.37
2012‐13
APPENDIX D ‐ Comparative Homeless Acceptances Data 77 78 Appendix E Homelessness Strategy Consultation Event Tuesday 16th July 2013 ‐ Lichfield District Council Offices Issues raised  Debt / Welfare ReformPeople often do not recognise that they have a debt problem until they reach a crisis point and even then some will not ask for or accept help
 A need to more ‘early warning signs’ training for home visitors
 Stronger links to the RAFT and LWT projects
 A need for a Money Advice Working Group within the District was identified
 Awareness of available services need to be improved – a lack of support was identified but the money advice works based at LDC is currently under‐utilised
 Welfare Reforms are making the situation worse – a need to work with the DWP & Job Centre re‐
garding the wider implications of sanctions they impose is needed – particularly once Universal credit is in place‐ if they sanction someone by stopping benefits for a period of time, this could be their rent money that is also stopped, which could result in them becoming homeless.
 Is money management included in the Homelessness Education Programme – could this be ex‐
panded into colleges as well as schools?
 Creating stronger links between homelessness and worklessness – to look at how housing options interviews could be broadened to include job and work issues and stronger links to work clubs etc…
 The need for more food banks were identified as an issue; one within the District in Burntwood al‐
though there are several in Cannock & Tamworth.
 An issue for street homeless households was identified who have trouble accessing benefits, as no address which means if hostel accommodation is found their rent is paid but they receive no money to live on as benefit claims are taking too long to process (ESA in particular)
 A stronger link between homelessness and worklessness
 Good Communication & closer links between departments and organisations seen as key to helping people – a joined up approach needed Access to private rented accommodation  There is a lack of HMO/Shared accommodation within Lichfield District
 Landlords are reluctant to have shared accommodation due to the management issues it can pre‐
sent – they may be more prepared to if there was increased support for tenants, some form of rent guarantee and also support for landlords in managing the properties.
 It was suggested that awareness raising amongst landlords regarding the causes of homelessness may help break down traditional stigmatisation
 Within Lichfield District the private rented sector is fairly buoyant; with high demand for properties and high rents meaning that landlords do not need help to let their properties and therefore do not ‘need’ tenants on benefit or who are homeless to fill their properties

Evidence from partners was that people have to move out of the district to meet their hous‐
ing needs; however rent levels in adjoining areas such as Cannock & Tamworth are also ris‐
ing which could lead to people needing to move further afield.

The idea of renting out spare rooms by both owner‐occupiers and tenants affected by the bedroom tax was discussed – a possible need to seek assistance from a support service to enable this?

Further promotion of the Rent guarantee scheme amongst Landlords – although this is cur‐
rently only available to households in priority need – could the scheme be expanded?

Could more work be done with Fusion Credit (particularly with Universal Credit) to help Supported Accommodation 
There is no provision of supported accommodation for those over 25

There is an identified need for supported accommodation units for mother and baby – ac‐
cess to units in neighbouring areas is limited

There is no direct access hostel accommodation in the district and the County

Earlier referrals and interventions are needed; often people are only identified at crisis point

Support services are limited both in the time they can give per week and the length of time they can offer the service – this can result in vulnerable people not receiving the support they need.

There is a cohort of vulnerable people with low to medium level needs who need long‐term support – the current contract limits support to 2 years; whereas some people will need support long‐term to cope, they cannot be ‘made better’

Ex‐Offenders – there is no resources within the District ‐ no supported accommodation – a hidden need. Heantun do have a County contract for support but Probation state that they do not try to resettle within Lichfield due to the lack of available supported accommodation. More information is needed on this.

Bromford have a supported scheme in Perton which is 2x 2‐bed flats of shared accommoda‐
tion which is supported and works well – could this be mirrored within the district?
Single Homelessness  Options for single homeless households within the district are very limited
 Limited access to suitable accommodation
 A large element of sofa surfing and sleeping in cars amongst this group
 Mental Health state they are seeing more single people over 35 who are suffering illness and homelessness due to relationship breakdown.
79 80 Temporary Accommodation 
This is currently under‐occupied, although we are one of the highest users of temporary accom‐
modation in Staffordshire

It was suggested that the possibility of placing non‐priority households in temporary accommoda‐
tion be investigated, on an emergency basis

South Staffs DC make direct offers to homeless applicants – to investigate whether this could work within our allocation policy and choice‐based lettings system

To investigate the potential to use it for ex‐offenders as not all ex‐offenders are high risk

Pathway Project identified an issue for their service users (DV victims) in accessing emergency ref‐
uge accommodation out of office hours and therefore anticipate they may be referring more peo‐
ple to local authority accommodation in the future

To conduct a thorough review of the use of /need for the temporary accommodation units
Relationship Breakdown  Is the highest cause of homelessness within the district
 The timing of mediation is essential – by the time people reach the housing options team it is usu‐
ally too late for mediation
 CVS confirmed there is a mediation service based at Mansell House which is over‐subscribed
 Where is the front‐line? – Potentially GP’s; schools; Social Care & Health services
 A need to identify the reasons for relationship breakdowns – financial, mental health, violence?
Complex Needs  There is a lack of specialist support services within the District
 There is a lack of suitable accommodation within the district
 There is a lack of an integrated multi‐agency approach to people with complex needs
 The Foyer reported an increase in young people with serious alcohol issues
 Addiction often masks symptoms
 GPs are often reluctant to refer to mental health services or others until addiction issues are re‐
solved, yet they are often intrinsically linked
 There are service users with low to medium needs who refuse to accept that they have a ‘problem’ and therefore engage with support services. If they refuse to accept help it is almost impossible to get them the help they need.
 People often live chaotic lifestyles which mean that even if they will engage they often miss ap‐
pointments and ‘fall out’ of the support system, meaning they then have to be referred again and support is missing.
 In the meantime they may continue to present problems which can result in homelessness.
 No single agency will take the lead unless there is a law being broken or a medical danger being present.
Other Issues identified  Bedroom tax and its impact on non‐resident parents who have access to children
 Changing & localised rules for Council Tax Support – example of Solihull MBC which only gives assis‐
tance to households who have a connection with Solihull‐ this could limit people’s choices when looking to move out of area if they are unable to access Council tax Support in their chosen area
All of the feedback obtained at the event has been considered in conjunction with the evidence gathered in our Review of Homelessness. We have used this to help develop our priorities and aims of the Home‐
lessness Strategy 2013‐2018 and also formulate our action plan for delivery. Name
South Staffs DC
Ben Tomkinson
Role Title
Commercial and Housing Services Manager
Support Worker
Peter Phillips
Community Chaplain
Lives Released
Jenni Coleman
Kerry Shea
Community Safety Manager
Finance Director
Lichfield District Safer Community Partner‐
ship
Vast
Stephanie Bristow
Intermediate Support Practitioner
Heantun Housing Association Limited
Lindsey Griffiths
Ellie Thorne
Housing Advice Unit ‐ Stafford‐
shire LDU
Prison Transition Manager
Staffordshire & West Midlands Probation Trust
Trident Reach The People Charity
Marie Williams
Service Manager
Bromford Group
Shelley Coglan
Senior Support Worker
Bromford Group
Jo Smith
Sandra Payne
Youth Services Manager ‐ Staf‐
fordshire
Deputy Director
Midland Heart
Rachel Frondigoun
Housing Strategy Officer
Lichfield District Council
Clive Gibbins
Housing Services Manager
Lichfield District Council
David Whittaker
Housing Options Manager
Lichfield District Council
Addeba Tabasum
Housing Options Officer
Lichfield District Council
Kate Becque
Housing Options Officer
Lichfield District Council
Allan Tranter
Senior Housing Options Officer
Lichfield District Council
Lucy Robinson
Housing Strategy Manager
Lichfield District Council
Nadine Taylor
Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent NHS Foun‐
dation Trust
20. Rebecca Fagan
21. Mandy Bygrave
West Midlands Representative
Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent NHS Foun‐
dation Trust
National Landlords Association
Pat Griffiths
Organisation
Brighter Futures
Lichfield & District CVS
81 To read this document online or download the most recent copy, please visit : www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/info/200117/
homelessness/190/homelessness_review_and_strategy