The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 8 April 2025 to discuss the Scrutiny Annual Report 2024-25 and the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy Report. The Committee recommended the approval of the Scrutiny Annual Report subject to comments and noted the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy Report, forwarding its comments to Cabinet.

Scrutiny Annual Report 2024-25

The Committee received the Draft Scrutiny Annual Report 2024-25, which had been compiled by the Scrutiny Leadership Group. This report outlines the activities of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, its sub-committees, and Scrutiny Lead Members during the 2024-2025 Municipal Year.

During the discussion, members expressed concern that the draft report resembled the Council's Corporate Plan rather than a scrutiny document, noting a lack of feedback on issues previously identified by the Committee and on areas for improvement within scrutiny functions. Councillors were advised that feedback had been provided and would be incorporated into future induction programmes for Scrutiny Lead Members. A further concern was raised regarding the late submission of reports from officers, which hinders adequate scrutiny.

The Committee resolved to recommend to Full Council the approval of the Scrutiny Annual Report 2024-2025, subject to the comments made. Additionally, the Committee resolved that the Centre for Public Scrutiny Report (2017) be provided to relevant members to learn best practices for the Council's scrutiny functions.

Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy Report

The Committee also received the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy Report, which summarised a review of homelessness and rough sleeping in Harrow for the period 2025-2030. This strategy is a statutory requirement under the Homelessness Act 2002, mandating local authorities to review homelessness in their boroughs every five years.

During the discussion, members raised concerns about the conversion rate of homelessness applications, with only 43% of applicants proceeding to a full application according to presented data. Officers explained that while applications had increased, requiring additional resources, various interventions such as engaging with property owners and family support had led some applicants not to proceed.

Questions were raised about the re-housing of domestic abuse victims, with assurances that the Domestic Abuse Act 2024 provides new regulations for their protection, and they are rehoused away from perpetrators. Concerns were also voiced regarding the eviction of tenants in supported living arrangements, particularly when mental health is not considered. It was advised that better coordination with the Adult Social Care Team is needed to ensure alternative accommodation is found before evictions.

Members requested that the strategy report include clear, actionable plans and matrices for homelessness prevention. The classification of international events like conflict and economic migration as serious risk factors for homelessness was queried, and it was acknowledged that these would be included in the final report.

The Committee inquired about the engagement of communities and faith-based organisations in tackling rough sleeping, receiving an affirmative response. The presence of refugees among rough sleepers was also discussed, with an explanation that once asylum applications are approved, refugees are no longer entitled to government-funded accommodation and may face homelessness due to factors like lack of income and employment.

A concern was raised about the increase in armed forces veterans listed as rough sleepers and experiencing homelessness in Harrow since 2019. It was confirmed that veterans are prioritised for housing, but the increase is linked to issues such as mental health problems and family breakdown.

Finally, the Committee requested that the Housing Allocation Strategy be brought forward for scrutiny once finalised.

RESOLVED: The Committee noted the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy Report and resolved that its comments be forwarded to Cabinet for consideration.