Content

9.1

The Committee considered a report of the
Executive Director, Neighbourhood Services seeking approval from
the Housing Policy Committee to adopt a 5-year Temporary
Accommodation Strategy and Policy.  The
report set out why the Strategy and Policy are required and what
the key differences would be to the Council’s approach if
adopted.

9.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Housing Policy
Committee approves the Temporary Accommodation Strategy and
Policy.

9.3

Reasons for Decision

9.3.1

Sheffield faces
rising demand for affordable housing, increasing reliance on
Temporary Accommodation as a safety net. The draft Temporary
Accommodation Strategy outlines how the Council will meet its legal
duty while reducing costly, unsuitable options like B&Bs. It
focuses on prevention, better property management, and expanding
housing options, including rapid rehousing and alternative
solutions. The strategy aligns with the Homelessness Prevention and
Rough Sleeping Strategy and responds to an independent housing
review

9.3.2

The draft Temporary Accommodation Policy sets out a fair and
consistent approach to allocating and managing temporary housing.
It details how the Council procures and places households in
suitable accommodation, including out-of-area placements when
needed.

8.4

Alternatives Considered and
Rejected

8.4.1

Option 1 – Do nothing:
Discounted - Rising demand for Temporary Accommodation,
particularly B&B use, has led to unsustainable financial costs
and poor outcomes. Inaction would breach statutory guidance and
legal duties.

8.4.2

Option 2 – Strategy only, without
Policy:
Discounted - A Strategy would provide overall direction
including initiatives to decrease the use of B&B’s. It
would not however give the clear and transparent detail of how
Temporary Accommodation will be allocated and managed. This
approach would fail to provide the transparency and clarity needed
for consistent, lawful Temporary Accommodation allocation
especially regarding out-of-area
placements.

8.4.3

Preferred Option – Strategy with
Policy:
Together the documents provide a comprehensive framework with
clear priorities and a consistent basis for decision[1]making. They will work together
to ensure consistent, accountable, and effective delivery and that
our approach aligns with best practices and legal
standards.