The Housing Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 22 February 2024, to discuss temporary accommodation, the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy, and the Waltham Forest Housing Compact. Key decisions included endorsing the Waltham Forest Housing Compact 2024-2029 and endorsing reports on Priory Court Delivery and Sixty Bricks Next Steps for Cabinet.

Temporary Accommodation

The committee received a report detailing the challenges and current practices surrounding temporary accommodation. Ms. Lindsay Megson, Interim Director of Housing Options and Support, introduced the report, highlighting the increasing demand for homelessness services across London, with Waltham Forest experiencing a rise in households in temporary accommodation. Officers explained that the quality of temporary accommodation is managed through a rigorous procurement process, including inspections and regular meetings with providers.

Concerns were raised about the suitability of accommodation for families with children, particularly regarding transport to schools. Officers confirmed that while there is no direct financial assistance for transport, the council would assist with school changes for families in long-term temporary accommodation. The committee also discussed the difficulties in attracting private landlords due to factors like the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates, which are frozen at 2020 levels, and the increasing cost of borrowing.

Regarding rough sleeping, Ms. Megson stated that the council's approach centres on intervention and recovery, with a dedicated team offering support to individuals who may not yet be ready to accept temporary accommodation. The council is exploring new approaches to deliver affordable housing, including refinancing and bringing properties back into use. The committee also heard about efforts to minimise disruption for individuals in temporary accommodation, with new properties being purchased and leased to allow for longer stays. A discussion also touched upon the potential for a pan-London clearing system for temporary accommodation and the role of organisations like Capital Letters in addressing the homelessness crisis.

The report was noted by the committee.

Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy

Mr. Eoin Quiery, Head of Housing Strategy, introduced the draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2024-2029. The committee expressed a desire to have sight of the strategy's Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor its progress. Mr. Peter Shovlin, Interim Head of Prevention and Assessment, explained that guidance provided to those experiencing homelessness includes information on training and employment, with services tailored to individual circumstances.

The strategy addresses the management of alcohol or drug addiction among those in temporary accommodation through comprehensive assessments and partnerships with various agencies. The committee inquired about plans to review the housing allocations policy to ensure alignment with the new strategy. Ms. Megson assured members that complaints are being reviewed and the policy is being made more accessible. The committee requested sight of the Equalities Impact Assessment for the strategy, which officers confirmed would be circulated.

The committee noted the report and requested that the Equalities Impact Assessment be provided.

Waltham Forest Housing Compact 2024-2029

Councillor Elizabeth Baptiste, Renters Commissioner, and Mr. John Coker, Assistant Director of Housing Strategy, presented the draft Waltham Forest Housing Compact 2024-2029. This compact outlines the framework for the council's partnership with housing associations to deliver housing priorities. Ms. Ruth Davidson, Co-Chair of the Compact Leadership Board, commended the engagement process.

The committee asked about the timeline for scrutinising the compact's work and reviewing relevant KPIs. Mr. Coker explained that an annual report would be submitted to Cabinet, with periodic reports to the scrutiny committee. He confirmed that housing associations had agreed to share a suite of KPIs, and this data would be made available to the committee.

A discussion ensued regarding the 'secure by design' initiative, with Mr. Garrod committing to consult planning officers on its requirement for the Local Plan. The committee also explored resident engagement methods and the role of ward councillors. Mr. Coker confirmed that details on registered providers within the borough and points of contact would be provided to councillors to support accountability.

The committee moved to endorse the report, which was unanimously agreed. Actions were agreed to ensure councillor engagement is a priority and that Housing Compact performance is reported back to the committee regularly.

Priory Court Delivery and Sixty Bricks Next Steps

The committee considered proposals regarding the Priory Court project and the future of Sixty Bricks, the council's development company. Mr. Mark Crane, Acting Director of Housing Assets and Delivery, explained that the Priory Court project would now deliver 100% affordable housing, comprising 21 social rent homes and 62 shared ownership homes. This change was necessary to retain £5 million in grant funding from the Greater London Authority (GLA) and the Brownfield Land Release Fund, requiring construction to commence by the end of March 2024. The funding strategy involves the General Fund covering development costs during construction, with the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) purchasing the homes upon completion.

Regarding Sixty Bricks, Mr. Crane stated that due to challenging market conditions and financial pressures, the company's business model was no longer viable. It was proposed that Sixty Bricks be made dormant, allowing for its potential revival in the future if economic conditions improve. The Priory Court project would then be delivered in-house by the council.

The committee endorsed the report for Cabinet. Actions were agreed for officers to provide figures on the cost of making Sixty Bricks dormant.

Committee Forward Plan and Action Tracker

Ms. Emily Wood, Scrutiny Officer, presented the Committee Forward Plan and Action Tracker. The committee noted the plan and tracker, and the responses to previous recommendations. A briefing on temporary accommodation had been requested by the Chair.

The meeting closed at 9:41 pm.