Decision Maker: Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: December 10, 2025

Purpose:

Content: 12.1 The Executive Director Neighbourhood Services submitted a report outlining the Council’s partnership with The Royal Foundation on the implementation of the Homewards Programme. The Programme is now entering its third year of delivery and has undergone a review of the Year 1 Local Action Plan to evaluate progress thus far and future priorities. This report presents an update on the Programme’s status, including delivery progress, outcomes, future actions, and the governance structures established to oversee its implementation.   Hannah-Crossan Smith from the Royal Foundation attended the meeting to outline details of their support for the Programme.     12.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee:-       (a) acknowledges the objectives, progress to date, and upcoming priorities of the Homewards Sheffield Programme as the Local Action Plan is revised and advances into its second year of implementation;   (b) continues to support Sheffield City Council’s participation in the Homewards Sheffield Programme and its partnership with The Royal Foundation;   (c) recognises the establishment of governance arrangements, developed by The Royal Foundation to oversee the effective delivery of the Homewards Programme; and   (d) notes that the Director of Housing Services has assumed the role of Senior Responsible Officer, now overseeing delivery on behalf of Sheffield City Council of the Homewards Sheffield Programme.     12.3 Reasons for Decision     12.3.1 The Homewards Programme provides the opportunity to accelerate improving the prevention outcomes for customers and making transformative change to systems and services. It provides the opportunity to work with individuals at an earlier point where there is a greater chance to identify the underlying causes, tackle hidden homelessness and manage the risk of housing insecurity. Endorsement of the Councils involvement in the Programme, enables the Council to work with Homewards Sheffield on the delivery of the Local Action Plan, Coalition and Governance which will provide opportunity to deliver a transformation Programme for Sheffield. Asking for an update in 12 months will provide transparency and assurance regards delivery upon the Programme.     12.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     12.4.1 Alternative Option 1: Alternative options have not been considered at this stage, as the Programme is intended to strengthen the Council’s approach to upstreaming prevention, contribute additional expertise, and support the delivery of the Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy. The Programme is continuing to develop, and the Local Action Plan has been updated for year 2 delivery, which identifies additional actions and commitment to ongoing initiatives. The Council will review future options as the Programme becomes further established, following evaluation of its initiatives, any significant developments, or upon the ending of the Programme.