Purpose

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has been informed by the
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) about
the funding for homelessness and rough sleeping for 2025/26. The
MHCLG has shifted from a bidding process to a direct award approach
for this funding, reflecting a transitional period before a
long-term strategy from 2026/27. A new Rough Sleeping Prevention
and Recovery Grant of £178,841 has been allocated to the
Council for 2025/26, with a focus on preventing rough sleeping and
supporting long-term and repeat rough sleepers. This funding must
be used in conjunction with the existing Rough Sleeping Initiative
2022-25 programme across the joint-award area with TMBC, allowing
both councils to review and redesign their rough sleeper services
to better meet current needs.

Decision

Resolved –That the council, in collaboration
with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, invites tenders for
Rough Sleeper Accommodation and Support Services, allocating up to
£65,000 from the Rough Sleeper Prevention and Recovery Grant
for the jointly procured contract for 2025/26, with the possibility
of three one-year extensions contingent on future grant funding.
Additionally, the Head of Housing, Health and Environment, in
consultation with the Head of the Legal Partnership, is authorised
to handle all necessary agreements and documents related to this
decision be approved.
 
 

Reasons for the decision

To redesign the rough sleeper services to
address their current need for supported accommodation whilst
maintaining the existing effective elements of the
services.

Alternative options considered

Do nothing and continue to deliver the
existing rough sleeper services which would not address the current
need for supported housing for rough sleepers and delivery services
which are not considered to be currently offering value for money
with the outcomes currently being achieved.