Issue - meetings

(i)            That the views of the Economy, Environment and Place Scrutiny Committee on the draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2020 to 2025 be considered.

(ii)           That the Executive Director - Commercial Development and Economic Growth in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Wellbeing be authorised to adopt the final strategy following amendments - taking into account consultation comments.

A report was submitted to Cabinet binging forward the final version of the Newcastle-under-Lyme Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for Cabinet approval and adoption.

The Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Wellbeing, Councillor Jill Waring stated that there was more focus on prevention and that rough sleeping was the more extreme category of homelessness.

The Leader endorsed the report and stated that the views of the Economy, Environment and Place Scrutiny Committee would be considered prior to the Strategy being adopted by the Executive Director – Commercial Development and Economic Growth and Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Wellbeing.

Members welcomed and supported the Strategy stating that it clearly outlined the Council’s obligations and gave a good indication on how the matter would be approached.  Councillor Waring was commended for going out and about at 7.30am some mornings to meet people.

Councillor Sweeney stated that there was public perception of being a lot more homeless as the ‘rough-sitters’ were being included in their calculation.

The Leader stated that the perception needed to be addressed as did aggressive begging and the council had taken steps to address both issues.

Resolved:     (i)         That the views of the Economy, Environment and Place

Scrutiny Committee on the draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2020 to 2025 be considered.

(ii)          That the Executive Director - Commercial Development and Economic Growth in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Wellbeing be authorised to adopt the final strategy following amendments - taking into account consultation comments.