Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review - 18 December 2017 - Citizens:mk

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review - 18 December 2017 - Citizens:mk
Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

      Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership
                             Strategic Review

                              18 December 2017

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

1. Aims of strategic review
The Council in Milton Keynes has allocated £205,000 for a Partnership of the voluntary sector and
MK Council to work on addressing homelessness and its causes, which is defined to include mental
health issues. The Partnership (MKHP) has performed a significant amount of preparatory work
which needs pulling together for review.

The aim of the review is to produce a report for interim review by the steering group on 5 December
2017 and presentation at the full partnership meeting on 12 January 2018 outlining the following:

   •       Taking the original chart of identified needs in the Homelessness Gap Analysis Map
   •       Combine it with the solutions already identified and the project work underway
   •       Identify what has happened and list as achievements
   •       Identify the solution and rationale behind them
   •       Ball-park costings for each solution
   •       Providing a road map
   •       Proposed revised terms of reference for the Homelessness Partnership and in particular
           the council’s role as a member of the group

   Milton Keynes context
Homelessness has become an increasing issue in the City over the last couple of years. The annual
number of households accepted as being homeless and in priority need more than doubled from 370
in 2006 to 789 by March 2016. The current annual rate represents 7.4 presentations per 1,000, 3
times higher than the equivalent 2.5 per 1,000 for England.

Private sector rents in Milton Keynes in 2015-16 were higher than both the national average and
comparator areas (1). The primary reason for becoming homeless is the end of assured tenancies in
private rented accommodation. There are a number of underlying causes for homelessness including
lack of supply of affordable housing, rising rents, no savings for a deposit and rent payable in
advance, loss of local support networks.

In June 2017, it was reported that there were 801 households in temporary accommodation with a
total of 1,326 children. In September 2017, there were estimated to be 130 rough sleepers. These
numbers are just the tip of the iceberg as they do not take into consideration those who are sofa
surfers or living in unsuitable or overcrowded housing. The affordable housing need in 2016 was
estimated at 2,802 households including 1,219 households in unsuitable housing mainly due to
overcrowding. YMCA was approached for help by over 1,000 people in the last year.

   MK Council Priority
MK Council has highlighted homelessness as one of its top priorities and has recently developed
Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Reduction Strategies. The Council priorities with regard to
homelessness include:

   •       Raising awareness of Council’s powers and provision – cultural shift towards helping
           people find housing solutions
   •       Prioritising homeless prevention support services
   •       Reviewing letting policy to address availability of housing
   •       Improving process for moving people on from temporary to permanent accommodation
   •       Preventing homeless applicants from parental family home with exception of violent
           situations

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

    •       Providing access to training and education opportunities
    •       Reviewing how MKC deals with people living in tents & development of policy for basic
            accommodation and sanitary facilities for this group
    •       One Stop shop service development
    •       Developing & implementing rough sleeper action plan
    •       Creating additional facilities to provide emergency shelter

    Executive Summary
In the face of escalating need, MKHP has made some progress on its key priorities of increasing
emergency accommodation (from 15 beds up to potentially 76 beds) and securing premises at the
Old Bus Station for the set up of a One Stop Shop to provide support services.

MKHP has also been successful in getting a grant to put in place a rough sleeper intervention service
for 2 years to help to address the immediate needs of rough sleepers.

MKHP has reviewed its ways of working and agreed that changes are needed to work more
effectively together given the large number of partnership members with differing agendas.

A detailed gap analysis identified gaps in emergency supported accommodation, temporary
accommodation for over 35s and the supply / access to affordable homes as well as representation
of some key support service providers and housing providers.

In order to address the long-term issue of sustainable homes, it is recommended that MKHP’s focus
widen from managing homelessness to ending homelessness by:

    •   engaging housing providers
    •   championing joined up working
    •   promoting sustainable tenancy models

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

2. Review of existing plan
    Vision
Being clear on what ambition we are all working towards is the first step required before defining
our strategy and objectives. Some examples of alternative vision statements are provided below:

    1.   Single unified approach to all Homelessness across the Council and wider City; or
    2.   Work together to eliminate homelessness in Milton Keynes; or
    3.   Significantly reduce rough sleeping by 2020
    4.   Sustainable Homes for All

Given recognition of the need to widen the aims of MKHP to a longer term vision of ending
homelessness by providing sustainable homes. It is recommended that the vision statement which
best reflects this is “Sustainable Homes for All”.

    Strategy
MKHP’s strategy is currently defined by its statement of purpose:

“Developing a partnership to lead and co-ordinate services for non-statutory homeless people
including advice, information and assistance – bringing together help and support into a ‘one-stop
shop’ style of delivery.”

The strategy statement is focussed on a joined-up approach to support services.

Our strategy should set out how we are going to deliver the vision and has therefore been revised
for consistency with the new proposed vision: “Shifting the focus from managing homelessness to
ending homelessness by wider engagement and a joined-up approach to provide a clear pathway to
sustainable housing.”

    Review of Existing Objectives
MKHP’s initial objectives were designed to be more tactical in order to achieve quick wins. A review
of progress to date for each of these objectives is set out in Appendix 1.

Further to the review of the current objectives and gap analysis, two additional objectives have been
identified.

2.3.1    One Stop Shop
A key objective of MKHP is to establish a one stop shop style service to assist all those at risk of
homelessness and support those in crisis. This objective is not sufficiently addressed by the existing
objectives regarding emergency support or accommodation. Recommend a specific objective
regarding the One Stop Shop service is agreed.

2.3.2    Moving on process – sustainable homes
There is risk of temporary accommodation being full and unavailable for emergency short term
shelter if a moving on process and pathways to sustainable housing are not addressed. Recommend
a specific objective regarding sustainable homes is agreed.

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

3. Revised Objectives
    Proposed new terms of reference
A revised set of longer term strategic objectives are proposed under which will sit a set of specific
prioritised options to deliver the strategy.

Vision - Sustainable Homes for All

Strategy - Shifting the focus from managing homelessness to ending homelessness by wider
engagement and a joined-up approach to provide a clear pathway to sustainable housing.

MKHP’s role - To champion a joined-up approach, facilitate engagement of relevant organisations
and hold MK Council to account for delivery of commitments and targets set in its housing,
homelessness and rough sleeper strategies.

Strategic objectives

Emergency accommodation - Explore options for the provision of emergency short-term shelter for
those in crisis and requiring immediate support. Aiming for no second night out with sufficient
emergency accommodation and support in place to prevent rough sleeping by 2020.

Temporary accommodation - Explore and agree priority options for the increased provision of
suitable temporary accommodation by December 2018. Hold MKC to account for achieving targets
to provide temporary accommodation within [x] days of being identified as homeless.

Sustainable homes - Engage housing providers in the Partnership with the aim of increasing the
supply and access of affordable homes. Hold MKC to account for its commitments to deliver the
appropriate mix and supply of homes needed to reduce the moving on process from homeless to
permanent home from [x] days to [y] days with personal support to sustain tenancies.

One stop shop - Bring together help and support into a ‘one-stop shop’ style of delivery. Agree and
implement joined up ways of working to co-ordinate services for homeless people including advice,
information and assistance by 31 December 2018

Support services - Explore options for the provision of emergency support for those without
accommodation including sanitary facilities and an outreach assessment service. Ongoing review of
supply and demand for homelessness support services and agree roadmap to fill gaps in service
provision annually in September.

    Annual strategic priorities
As well as setting out the vision, strategy and high-level objectives to deliver the strategy in the
medium term (3 – 5 years), there is a need to agree annual strategic priorities with clear action plans
for implementation each year. Each strategic priority should be allocated to a named person or sub
group that has the necessary expertise and capacity to take responsibility for implementation within
an agreed timescale and budget.

As part of the strategic review, MKHP’s initial gap analysis has been further developed summarising:

    •       what is needed
    •       identifying the services and accommodation already provided
    •       highlighting the gaps in homelessness provision

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

Once all the gaps have been identified and agreed, the aim is to prioritise options to fill the gaps and
estimate ball park costs and timing for delivery. Highlights of the gap analysis are summarised below.
See Appendices 2 – 5 for more details.

3.2.1   Emergency accommodation gap analysis – Appendix 2
A review of accommodation provision highlighted gaps in emergency accommodation for those in
need of professional support.

3.2.2   Temporary accommodation gap analysis – Appendix 2
In June 2017, it was reported that there were 801 households in temporary accommodation with a
total of 1,326 children. There is a need to reduce the cost of temporary accommodation and
increase the supply of temporary housing in the short term due to a shortage of social housing.

A review of accommodation provision also highlighted a need for additional temporary
accommodation for those over 35.

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

3.2.3   Support services – Appendix 3
A review of support services highlighted gaps in joined-up working and support for those leaving
hospital, help with dogs, education & training and mental health provision. The review also
identified some key service providers that are not currently part of MKHP particularly money and
employment advice, some mental health services, emotional support and furniture provision.

3.2.4   One Stop Shop gap analysis – Appendix 4
A One Stop Shop facility is under development at the Old Bus Station. The biggest challenges for
delivery of the One Stop Shop is support service take up of the Old Bus Station facility and lack of
access for those in need. Under the current terms of the lease, the One Stop Shop will not be able to
provide some of the services or access needed, particularly for rough sleepers, as it is not permitted
to allow drop ins. The lack of drop in appears to be a barrier to usage for many organisations.

3.2.5   Sustainable homes – Appendix 5
The review identified the need to engage more widely with housing providers and consider options
to increase the supply and access to social housing and the private rented sector. This is needed to
move people on from temporary accommodation e.g. from YMCA to permanent housing to free up
temporary bed spaces and provide a clear path to sustainable housing.

A joined-up approach to housing advice and money support between MK Council, Housing
Associations and the voluntary sector is also recommended to support sustainable tenancies.

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

    Road Map
The strategic review of objectives, priorities and gap analysis has led to a clear set of options to
consider for development as key priorities. The aim of these options is to work towards delivery of
the strategy of “shifting the focus from managing homelessness to ending homelessness by wider
engagement and a joined-up approach to provide a clear pathway to sustainable housing”.

Options to be considered and agreed on as annual strategic priorities for 2018 are summarised in a
Road Map below.

 Immediate priority for implementation
 Further consideration required
 Not viable / longer term

 Partnership
 Options             Priority   Estimated   Timing    Next steps                      Action owner
                                costs
 Partnership         High       Low         Feb       Presentation to steering        Gamiel Yafai
 arrangements                               2018      group on options to             CA:MK with
                                                      formalise partnership           support from
                                                      constitution                    Sarah
                                                                                      Crowhurst
 Allocation of       High       Low         Jan       Agree named leaders and         Steering
 priorities to sub                          2018      sub groups for priority 2018    group
 groups                                               options
 Annual costed       High       Low         Jan       Proposal to be agreed and       Sarah
 proposal to                                2018      presented for consideration     Crowhurst
 deliver strategic                                    by Cabinet
 priorities
 Grant               Medium Low             March     Application criteria,           Sarah
 application                                2018      assessment and                  Crowhurst
 process                                              prioritisation
 Monitor and         High       Low         March     Proposed KPIs to monitor on     Sarah
 review progress                            2018      an annual basis taking into     Crowhurst
                                                      a/c research of successful
                                                      outcomes of models in other
                                                      areas
 Hold MKC to         High       Low         March     Review MKC housing &            Sarah
 account for                                2018      homelessness strategies for     Crowhurst
 targets &                                            key targets to be monitored
 commitments
 Develop a           Medium Low             Sept      Set out a charter for           Steering
 homelessness                               2018      organisations working           group
 charter                                              together to tackle
                                                      homelessness in MK to sign
                                                      up to
 Promotion of        High       Low         Sept      Publicity campaign for work     Steering
 strategy                                   2018      of MKHP – first issue of        group
                                                      annual review leaflet

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

 Emergency and temporary accommodation
 Options         Priority   Estimated  Timing         Next steps               Action owner
                            costs
 Night stop      High       Low        June 2018     Agree scheme &            Simon Green,
                                                     develop publicity         YMCA
 Supported         Medium    Low           Dec 2018 Agree scheme &             Simon Green,
 lodging scheme                                      develop publicity to      YMCA
                                                     identify host families
 Wet shelter       Low       High          Sept 2018 Review demand for         Bev Syme,
                                                     wet shelter from          Open Door
                                                     rough sleeping service
                                                     information
 Modular           High      Medium –      First     70 units have planning    Eleanor
 housing – Your              MK Council    phase by  permission. Develop       Nickless, MKC
 MK                          to develop    [date]    pipeline of further
                                                     units
 Encourage         Medium    Low           March     Agree list of charities   Gamiel Yafai
 homeless                                  2018      e.g. Emmaus and           CA:MK with
 charities to                                        make contact. Talk        support from
 move to MK                                          with MKDP about land      Sarah
                                                     / property availability   Crowhurst
 Empty buildings   Medium    Medium        March     Identify sites and        Eleanor
 back into use                             2018      estimate conversion       Nickless, MKC
                                                     costs & best use
 Micro homes       Medium    Medium        June 2018 Identify sites and cost   Eleanor
                                                     to develop, life span     Nickless, MKC
 Interim use of Medium       Low           December Identify sites with        Eleanor
 sheltered                                 2018      availability and          Nickless, MKC
 accommodation                                       estimate conversion
                                                     costs & best use

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

 Sustainable homes
 Options         Priority    Estimated      Timing     Next steps               Action owner
                             costs
 Engagement of     High      Low            March      Agree list of housing    Sarah
 housing                                    2018       providers to approach.   Crowhurst to
 providers                                             Arrange meeting to       work with
                                                       present partnership      MKC Housing
                                                       objectives and need to
                                                       work together
 Review social     High      Low            Feb 2018   Work with housing        Sarah
 housing                                               providers & MKC          Crowhurst
 eligibility                                           housing strategy team
 criteria                                              to understand existing
                                                       model of housing
                                                       allocation
 Review housing    High      Low            Feb 2018   Review Plan:MK &         Sarah
 mix for planned                                       Housing Strategy         Crowhurst
 affordable
 homes
 Promotion of      High      Low            Feb 2018   Encourage landlord       Eleanor
 private rented                                        representation at        Nickless, MKC
 schemes                                               MKHP and agree
                                                       publicity
 Shared        High          High           Dec 2017   Consultation response    Simon Green,
 accommodation                                         to Plan:MK submitted     YMCA
                                                       by YMCA
 Lodging           Medium    Low            Feb 2018   Further research on      Sarah
 schemes                                               options                  Crowhurst
 Social            Medium    Medium –       Feb 2018   Further research on      Sarah
 enterprise                  expansion of              existing models          Crowhurst
 investment                  existing
                             models?
 Community led     Low       Medium –       TBD        Follow up on feedback    To be
 housing                     funding                   from CA:MK Nov 2017      allocated
                             available?                workshop
 Housing First     High      Medium –       Feb 2018   Opportunities to scale   Sarah
 opportunities               grants                    up YMCA model for        Crowhurst
                             available?                supported
                                                       accommodation for
                                                       over 35s
 Joined up         High      Low            Feb 2018   Engagement of money      Gamiel Yafei
 housing advice                                        advice providers in      CA:MK
 and debt                                              MKHP
 management
 Accessing         High      Low            Feb 2018   Identify opportunities   Eleanor
 government                                            to apply for             Nickless, MKC
 grants for                                            government funding
 development

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

 One stop shop
 Options          Priority   Estimated      Timing     Next steps                Action owner
                             costs
 Joined up        High       Low            Feb 2018   Outline process for       Sarah
 working and                                           sharing and               Crowhurst
 information                                           management of
 sharing                                               information
 One access       High       Low            March      Brief MKC housing         Eleanor
 point for                                  2018       team on services          Nickless
 signposting to                                        available and new
 services                                              approach to joined up
                                                       working
 Joined up        High       Medium -       Feb 2018   Outline process for       Richard
 assessment and              employee                  management of             Wightman
 referrals                                             assessment and            WNS
                                                       referrals from Buszy
 Directory of  High          Medium –       March      Collate information for   Sarah
 services and                set up costs   2018       website and directory     Crowhurst
 accommodation                                         and publish
 providers

 Support services
 Options          Priority   Estimated      Timing     Next steps                Action owner
                             costs
 Review supply    High       Low            Feb 2018   Agree roadmap to fill     Sarah
 and demand for                                        gaps                      Crowhurst
 services e.g.
 waiting lists
 Wider            High       Low            Feb 2018   Agree additional          Sarah
 engagement of                                         service providers to      Crowhurst
 service                                               invite to MKHP
 providers
 Joined up        High       Low            March      Outline process for       Sarah
 homeless                                   2018       priority services to      Crowhurst
 prevention                                            identify and support
 services                                              those at risk of
                                                       homelessness

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

4. Working Together
There is a need to provide clarity on working and delivery arrangements of the Partnership to
project manage delivery of clear strategic objectives and priorities.

The most common theme from the Partnership review was that due to the size of the membership
of the Partnership, it is difficult to effectively deliver the objectives. It was suggested that smaller
groups need to be set up to focus on progressing the priority objectives. The following changes to
working arrangements were agreed.

    •       MKHP steering group to meet monthly to progress the objectives of the Partnership –
            Council to support this work
    •       Full partnership meetings quarterly to sign off Steering Group recommendations
    •       Formal partnership arrangements to be put in place with clear leadership

    Partnership Members - Roles & Priorities
A consultation and review of MKHP identified the need to provide clarity on the roles of the
organisations and their aims. MKHP questionnaire responses to the question “what could be
improved?” highlighted:

    •       Co-ordinate multi agency response
    •       Understand partner’s responsibilities
    •       Clear planning and outcomes
    •       More Councillors attending – Council as partners not facilitators?
    •       Project management and strategic direction required to provide clarity and focus
    •       Reduced team size
    •       Share ideas and improve homeless services
    •       Combined service with joined up approach
    •       Less statistics / paper work and more practical solutions
    •       Decision making powers

A review of roles and organisations priorities will aid strategic fit with delivery of strategic objectives
and help to identify members of each focus group.

The core members of MKHP as represented at the Steering Group are CA:MK, MK Council, YMCA,
Open Door, Winter Night Shelter and The Bus Shelter MK. The steering group will focus on driving
outcomes for the priority objectives with sign off given by the full partnership. Both the full group
and smaller focus groups need clear leadership and chairing to focus on agreeing actions to deliver
the priority objectives.

    MKHP Steering Group
    •       Gamiel Yafai – CA:MK
    •       Eleanor Nickless – MKC Housing
    •       Simon Green – YMCA Chief Executive
    •       Bev Syme – Open Door
    •       Richard Wightman – Chair of Winter Night Shelter
    •       Pam Williams – Chair of The Bus Shelter MK

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

    Recommendations on working together
It is recommended that representatives from the following services commissioned by MK Council are
also part of the Steering Group:

    •   Look Ahead
    •   Salvation Army
    •   Street Outreach – Kings Arms

Each organisation to provide details of what they can offer in terms of resources, connections,
accommodation and services as well as time to devote to leading or being part of a small group to
deliver 2018 priority actions. To be added to the Partner Organisation table in Appendix 6.

Invitations to the full partnership are by organisation; steering group and focus groups invitations
are by name (not organisation) so that the right people with right expertise, decision making powers
and resources are present.

Role of MKC – partner but not lead partner i.e. on equal footing but not driving the partnership

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

5. Resources
    December 2016 costed proposal
The costed proposal summarised below and approved by Cabinet in December 2016, detailing how
best to support the aims of supporting non-statutory homeless people was resourced through a
£200k one-off pressure in the 2017/18 budget (Cabinet decision of 7 February 2017) [and will be
rolled over to 2018/19. MKC – to confirm]. Provision for any additional funding and ongoing costs
will need to be made in the 2018/19 budget through the current MKC budget-setting process.

 Dec 2016 - Recommendation           Required           Est cost     Spend to date
 Additional accommodation and        Estimate of 10     £75,000      £0
 support for individuals over the    bed spaces                      MKC have committed to
 age of 35 and with low-level        required, and 2                 fund 30 beds from the
 support needs.                      support staff                   Council budget for Winter
                                                                     2017/18
 Implementation of an outreach       A link-worker      £75,000      £0 – funded from rough
 service, working from the day       scheme type                     sleeper grant (1)
 centre                              provision – 2
                                     workers
 Open Door charity support and       2 days             £50,000      £0
 drop-in service extended from 3     additional drop                 Discussions ongoing
 to 5 days a week                    in support
 Make general public aware of        Publicity          £1,000       £0
 service provision                   campaign set up
                                     costs
 Formal partnership arrangements     Legal costs        £1,000       £0
 for the MK Homelessness
 Partnership to be put in place
 Ongoing Partnership running                            £3,000       £3,000
 costs
 Total initial costs identified                         £205,000     £3,000
 Less spend to date                                     -£3,000
 Less committed                      Strategic review   -£4,000      Est £2,100
 Balance                             To be              £198,000
                                     reallocated

    (1) The DCLG Rough Sleeper Grant Funding amounts to £624k. The project is led by Luton
        Borough Council, who will account for this income and expenditure.

The homelessness One-Stop Shop at the Old Bus Station is estimated to require expenditure of £25k
per year for 3 years in running costs. The funding has been extended from 2.5 to 3 years due to term
of the lease. This funding will be provided from a separate MK Council budget.

MKHP has committed to £4k for the strategic review. There is therefore approx. £198k still available
to spend from the above budget. This funding should be seen as a starting point to facilitate
partnership working and not as a fixed sum that limits strategic ambition.

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

    Costed proposal to deliver 2018 priorities
An assessment of the estimated costs of the following priorities will prepared for review at the
February 2018 steering group meeting:

    •   partnership set up & promotion
    •   ongoing review and monitoring of progress
    •   directory of services and accommodation
    •   wider engagement & joined up working
    •   research on accommodation priority options
    •   review of supply and demand for services

Further work and discussion on accommodation options and the gaps arising from a more detailed
review of supply and demand for services will take place by March 2018. A recommendation about
the allocation of the balance of funds will be made to the full Partnership meeting in April 2018.

    Grant applications
Alongside the accommodation research and services review, it is proposed that MKHP run a grant
application process whereby partner organisations submit requests for project funding. Application
criteria would include evidence of need and fit with MKHP’s strategic objectives with an emphasis on
how the funding will aid joined up working.

This process will enable MKHP to assess and prioritise funding of a wider range of projects that will
best deliver the strategy.

If agreed, a grant application form will be circulated by 19 January 2018 with an application deadline
of 16 February for review and decision at the March 2018 steering group meeting.

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

6. Conclusion
    Strategy development
The steering group recommends adoption of the new vision, strategy and objectives.

The steering group will take responsibility for overseeing delivery of the agreed 2018 priority options
and further research required to assess additional options to pursue and review gaps to fill.

    Working together
Joined up working is crucial to delivery of a number of the strategic priorities. Partnership members
are asked to commit to work together towards our shared vision.

Each partner organisation is requested to provide details of what they can offer in terms of
resources, connections, accommodation and services as well as time to devote to leading or being
part of a small group to deliver 2018 priority actions.

    Resources
The steering group will review an initial proposal of estimated costs for set up, promotion, further
accommodation research and services review at its February 2018 meeting.

Further work will take place by March 2018 regarding the allocation of the balance of funds for
priority accommodation and support services. A recommendation will be made to the next full
partnership meeting in April 2018.

The steering group recommends a grant application process is put in place to assess and prioritise
funding of a wider range of projects that will best deliver the strategy.

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

APPENDIX 1 - Review of existing objectives
Objective: Develop a Homelessness Charter that will set out how all organisations will work
together to tackle non - statutory homelessness in MK.
       Progress to date
       The Manchester Homelessness Charter is included as an example in MK Council documents.
       This includes engagement of the wider business community similar to the Fair-Trade scheme
       whereby qualifying status is awarded for meeting specified criteria.

       Next steps
       Included in the Road Map for delivery in September 2018

Objective: Undertake a gap analysis of the provision to meet the needs of non-statutory
homeless people.
       Progress to date
       A high-level gap analysis map was presented to MK Council in December 2016.

       Next steps
       This paper includes a detailed gap analysis including a directory of existing providers of
       services and temporary accommodation in Appendices 2 – 5.

       Ongoing monitoring and review will be required to identify changes in need and any new
       gaps in provision emerging.

Objective: Develop a costed proposal for consideration by the Cabinet in December 2016
detailing how best to support the aims of supporting non-statutory homeless people.
       Progress to date
       An initial costed proposal of £205,000 was presented to MK Council in December 2016 as
       shown in Section 5 - Resources.

       This has now been superseded by a combination of funding secured from elsewhere (e.g.
       Rough Sleeping Grant) and new spend agreed subsequent to the proposal e.g. Old Bus
       Station running costs.

       Next steps
       To agree a new costed proposal to deliver the proposed priority options at the April 2018 full
       partnership meeting.

Objective: Explore options for the provision of emergency support for those without
accommodation including sanitary facilities and an outreach assessment service.
       Progress to date
       A successful bid was made for a DCLG Rough Sleeper Grant Funding in partnership with
       Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Luton councils. A rough sleeper outreach service
       including mental health crisis intervention workers is now in operation for 2 years as a result
       of this funding.

       MK Council has developed a draft rough sleeping reduction strategy which recommends a
       partnership approach.

       The Winter Night shelter bid has been agreed for a 3 year lease of the Old Bus Station as a
       homelessness hub (one-stop shop), to provide a reception and assessment centre for the

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

       Winter Night Shelter as well as a range of facilities and support services for homeless people
       including sanitary facilities and lockers.

       Next steps
       A list of existing service providers is included in the Gap Analysis – Appendix 3.

       MKHP has agreed that sanitary facilities are defined as laundry, showers, food, bedding and
       clothes. This is not a universally accepted approach as there are concerns that this level of
       provision may entrench rough sleeping.

       The Old Bus Station will have laundry facilities and showers. MK Foodbank will distribute
       food one afternoon a week and MK Storehouse will provide clothing parcels to be stored on
       site and given out. [Gap in bedding – tbc]

       Discussions are underway about provision of an outreach assessment service at the Old Bus
       Station by the rough sleeper intervention project. This may be limited by the clause in the
       lease which prevents drop in.

       Consultation on MK Council’s rough sleeping reduction strategy is underway. This strategy
       has been reviewed as part of developing MKHP’s strategy and objectives.

       A plan for delivery of support services to the homeless from the Old Bus Station is being
       developed. Richard Wightman from WNS and Donna Elliott from RCT have e-mailed those
       interested in using the facility and will outline how it will be used by organisations. See One
       Stop Shop Gap Analysis in Appendix 4.

       The Road Map includes options for a support services directory and more joined up working.

Objective: Explore options for the provision of emergency short-term shelter for those in crisis
and requiring immediate support.
       Progress to date
       In addition to the 15 beds already provided by the Winter Night Shelter, new emergency
       accommodation of up to 61 beds is to be provided by a combination of the Winter Night
       Shelter (15), The Bus Shelter MK (up to 16) and MK Council (30). As part of the
       redevelopment of the YMCA, up to 50 extra units (196 in total) will be made available from
       May 2019 for homeless young people in emergency situations. Further temporary
       accommodation for those over the age of 35 has been identified as a need in the gap
       analysis.

       Next steps
       A sub-group of the Partnership (Steering group) is currently developing a specification for
       the commissioning of additional emergency accommodation for those over the age of 35.

       A list of emergency accommodation providers and number of bed spaces available is
       included in the gap analysis – see Appendix 2.

       The Road Map identifies further options for temporary homeless people such as the Night
       Stop and Supported Lodging schemes.

Objective: Research successful outcomes of models in other areas
       Progress to date
       MKC has recommended that MKHP obtain charitable status in order to qualify for other
       charity and Government funding – “Refugees Welcome MK” quoted as a model.

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

       Next steps
       As part of this review, a Homeless Partnership in Bath has been identified as a successful
       model. A summary of the Bath Homeless Partnership is included in Appendix 7. A key
       difference between MKHP and Bath’s approach is the involvement of housing providers in
       the partnership. There are numerous local housing associations, developers as well as a
       private landlord’s forum in Milton Keynes.

       The majority of housing associations allocate their properties through Milton Keynes
       Council. MKC Housing Options lists the following Housing Associations on its website:

       a2dominion              Accent Nene              Affinity Sutton         Aragon

       BPHA                    CDS                      Derment living          Genesis

       Guinness                Habinteg                 Hastoe                  Home group

       Hyde                    Jephson                  Midland Heart           Orbit Housing

       Paradigm                Places for People        Riversmead              Viridian

       It is recommended that housing providers are engaged in MKHP as part of working together
       to provide sustainable homes.

Objective: Monitor and review the progress of the Partnership
       Progress to date
       A review of MKHP’s progress took place in September 2017. A summary of this review is
       included in Section 4 - Working Together.

       Next steps
       Agree new working & delivery arrangements proposed in this paper.

       To agree a new set of terms of reference for MKHP including a vision, strategy, strategic
       objectives and 2018 priorities as proposed in this paper.

       Design & implement ongoing review process to ensure delivery of strategy in a timely and
       cost-efficient manner as included in the Road Map.

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

APPENDIX 2 - Emergency & temporary accommodation gap analysis
Emergency accommodation
In September 2017, Council figures showed 130 rough sleepers on the streets. The council’s rough
sleeper reduction strategy notes the following types of rough sleepers:

         Category        Description
         Lifestyle A     People happy with their situation, e.g. a male who travels the country but
                         predominantly bases himself in MK during Autumn and Winter.
         Lifestyle B     Where alcohol and substance misuse make rough sleeping a lifestyle
                         choice. Unwilling and / or unable to engage with appropriate agencies to
                         work with their addictions.
         Conditional     Individuals who by day appear to be sleeping rough but do have access to
                         shelter via family, friends or own tenancy, etc during the night.
         Migrant         Individuals who have jobs but either not earning minimum wage or
         workers         enough hours to pay for accommodation.
         Beggars         Increase in begging activity across Central MK. The majority of people
                         arrested for begging do have accommodation / tenancies.
         Travelling      A small number of individuals who travel by train to MK to capitalise on
         beggars         commuter’s kindness in the Station Square area.

It is estimated that approximately 65 of these rough sleeper needs can be met by volunteer
accommodation such as WNS whereas an estimate of 65 have more complex needs that require
professional support and care. Emergency temporary accommodation for those with low level needs
of 56 beds will provided this winter by WNS, The Bus Shelter MK and MK Council. This leaves a
smaller gap of 9 emergency beds. Whereas only 20 professionally supported beds will be provided
by MK Council leaving a larger gap of approx. 45 beds in supported accommodation for those with
high level complex support needs that require professional care.

Additionally, YMCA has 23 beds currently available on an emergency basis for under 25s. YMCA’s
total provision of 146 beds will be expanding to 196 beds for under 35s from May 2019.

Accommodation for those over the age of 35 with low level support needs is currently being
reviewed by a sub group of MKHP.

Emergency accommodation options
One option for further provision is a scheme called Nightstop which provides emergency overnight
accommodation for young homeless people who are facing the night on the streets or sleeping in
unsafe places. Communities and charities currently run Nightstops in 33 locations around the UK.

Nightstop relies on community hosting to provide a safe, welcoming place for young people in crisis.
Volunteer hosts, ordinary members of the community, open their homes to young people aged from
16 to 25 years, offering a private spare room, hot meal, shower, laundry facilities and a listening ear.

Another scheme called Supported Lodgings offers temporary accommodation for young people
leaving care or facing homelessness in a number of areas across the UK. A Supported Lodgings
provider offers a safe, supportive and friendly home environment for a period of 8 weeks up to 2
years for young people that find the transition to independent living especially difficult.

A further emergency option for those with higher support needs is the provision of a wet shelter.

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

Temporary accommodation
In June 2017, it was reported that there were 801 households in temporary accommodation with a
total of 1,326 children.

Temporary accommodation provision has been more readily available to MKC with nightly let
accommodation at a more affordable cost. This is due to MKC increasing supply locally by entering in
to lease agreements and increasing the supply in ‘Secure Lets’ accommodation. The converted use of
one of MKC’s sheltered housing schemes has provided additional provision and further
consideration is being given by MKC to similar models.

Temporary accommodation options
There is still a need to increase the supply of local temporary housing in the short term due to a
shortage of social housing and private rental. Options for consideration are summarised below.

    •       YourMK – new build and modular home programme to provide an additional 300
            temporary homes of all tenures and bedroom sizes
    •       Encourage homeless charities to set up and invest in MK e.g. Emmaus type scheme and
            Amicus Trust both in Bedfordshire
    •       Empty buildings brought back into use – review number of empty buildings that could be
            readily converted
    •       Explore micro homes concept

Gap Analysis – Emergency & Temporary Accommodation
Gaps in data below to be provided by MK Council

 What is already provided?               Number of beds available           Cost to council
 Temporary accommodation –
 statutory duty
 MKC – Unity House, Luton                29 studio flats                    £30 a night
                                         32 one-bedroom units               £36 a night
                                         49 two-bedroom flats               £44 a night
 MKC – Orchard House, Green Lane,        29 flats
 Wolverton
 Orbit – Cambridge St Hostel             16 flats
 Salvation Army – Springfield House      16 flats                           MKC contract preferred
 16-24 yrs old – Young parents and                                          supplier
 mothers to be
 Salvation Army Fishermead Center –      20 beds                            MKC contract preferred
 over 25 years old                                                          supplier
 Look Ahead                              58 people – [support only or       MKC contract preferred
                                         support and beds?]                 supplier
 Other - secure lets                     [MKC to provide]
 Total no. of statutory temporary        801 households in June 2017
 homes available
 B&B – emergency stat. temporary         Reduced to [4%] of
 accommodation                           households. MKC to confirm
 To be developed - modular housing       1 scheme of 70 units at            [Approx. £50,000] per
 of up to 300 homes on sites owned       Fishermead granted planning        dwelling
 by MKDP                                 permission

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

 What is already provided?           Number of beds available        Cost to council
 Temporary accommodation – non-
 statutory duty
 Under 35 - temporary
 Under 35 - YMCA                     23 short term beds
                                     123 beds – studio / flats for
                                     long term accommodation

 Total no. of temporary beds         146 beds
 available for under 35s
 Estimated no. of beds needed
 Gap required                        50 more beds to be delivered
                                     in May 2019 by YMCA
                                     expansion
 Over 35 – temporary
 Emmaus – Village Carlton 20 miles   42 beds – how many available    Largest homelessness
 from MK                             to MK?                          provider in the Bedford
                                                                     Borough

 Total no. of temporary beds
 available for over 35s
 Estimated no. of beds needed
 Gap required
 Emergency – low support needs
 Winter Night Shelter                30 beds early Dec to mid
                                     March
 MK Bus Shelter project              16 beds
 MK Council – new provision          10 beds in Luton
 Total no. of emergency beds         56 beds
 Estimated no. of beds needed        65 rough sleepers at Sept
                                     2017
 Gap required                        9 beds
 Emergency – high support needs
 MK Council – new provision          20 supported beds in MK
 Total no. of emergency supported    20 beds
 beds
 Estimated no. of supported beds     65 rough sleepers at Sept
 needed                              2017
 Gap required                        45 beds
 Other temporary accommodation
 Not eligible for UK benefits        Sanctuary – host family for
                                     immigrants
 No local connection
 Wet shelter for alcoholics

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

APPENDIX 3 - Gap Analysis - Support Services
The high-level gap analysis identified a wide range of support services provided by churches,
foodbanks and other charities but noted gaps in rough sleeper’s outreach work and mental health
services. A Rough Sleepers outreach service is now in place for 2 years as a result of a successful
grant application.

A detailed review of support services highlights gaps in joined-up working and support for those
leaving hospital, help with dogs, education & training and mental health provision. The review also
identified a number of key service providers that are not currently part of MKHP particularly money
and employment advice, some mental health services and furniture providers.

A review of how services work together is recommended to ensure the following:

    •       Rapid assessment and intervention service to identify and provide a range of pathways
            to prevent people spending a night on the street.
    •       Joined up approach to promoting services available and sharing information
    •       Sign posting to other relevant support services from a single user access point
    •       Public space protection order - taking action if needed, once all other avenues have
            been attempted, against anti-social behaviour associated with rough sleeping including
            begging
    •       An understanding of the demand and supply of each of the services to assess whether
            existing services meet the needs of those at risk.
    •       Where gaps have been identified, a prioritisation process is required to agree which
            services to fund first.

The tables and charts below provide details of service providers and gaps identified in service
provision and MKHP representation.

 What is needed?           Organisation                               Gaps
 Advice & information
 Housing
 Deposit bond scheme       MKC Housing Options - MKC
                           Discretionary Housing Payment
 Clear housing             MK Housing Options – social housing,       Landlords forum, housing
 pathways                  private rented                             associations and developers not
                                                                      part of MKHP
 Support to manage &       Connections Support                        Not represented in MKHP
 sustain tenancies
 Welfare benefits &        CAB
 housing advice
 Contact information       Library                                    Not represented in MKHP
 and internet access
 General advice            Shelter – homelessness                     National Charity

                           CA:MK – MK charities
 Joined up approach
 Early identification of                                              Integrated approach to info sharing
 those at risk –                                                      and weekly support visits between
 personalised support                                                 MKC, NHS, Police and Voluntary
 plans                                                                sector

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

 Directory of providers                                         Not currently available
 of accommodation
 and services
 Targeted services
 Young mothers            MKC Adult social care joint
                          commissioning team
 Single people            MKC Adult social care joint
                          commissioning team
 Ex armed forces          SSAFA – welfare advice - National     National Charity
 personnel                charity – no local MK branch

                          The Royal British Legion - Meets in   Not represented in MKHP
                          Tuesdays monthly
 Leaving prison &         New Leaf                              Not represented in MKHP
 youth offenders
                          P3 Probation services
 Leaving hospital                                               Connections Support 6 mth project
                                                                – no longer running see Task &
                                                                Finish Group Mental Health report
 Domestic violence        MK Act

 Help with dogs                                                 The Bus Shelter MK will be able to
                                                                cater for rough sleepers' pet dogs
 Senior Citizens          Age UK

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

 Day centre / rough
 sleepers outreach
 What is needed?        Organisation                             Gaps
 Rough sleepers         DCLG Rough Sleeper Grant funding for 2   Provision to follow current 2 year
 outreach including     years                                    programme
 mental health crisis   Led by Kings Arms Project
 intervention workers
 Showers                Christ the Cornerstone Church
                        Buszy – under development
 Laundry Facilities     Buszy – under development
 Community Safety       Thames Valley Police
                        MKC Community Safety
 Other street support   Street Pastors
                        Peoples Assembly
                        Amazing CMK Business Improvement
                        District
 Reconnect to support   National charities – Samaritans and      Gap in providers of emotional
 networks               British Red Cross                        support
 One Stop Shop          Buszy – under development
 Drop in centre         Open Door – 3 days a week                Extend service to 5 days a week.
                                                                 Drop in not allowed under terms of
                                                                 bus station lease.
 Severe weather         When temperature drops to below zero
 emergency protocol     for more than 3 consecutive nights.
                        Cost to council of Hostels, B&Bs and
                        hotels

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

 Life skills services
 What is needed?          Organisation                            Gaps
 Money advice             MK Money Lifeline - Debt Advice, free   Under represented in MKHP – only
                          confidential money advice               YMCA and CAB in the partnership

                          MK Money Advice, New Life Church MK
                          Money matters, Grace Church MK

                          CAB & Connections Support Partnership

 Savings scheme for       YMCA - Step out residents savings
 deposit and rent in      scheme
 advance
 Work prep training -     www.yourmk.co.uk/your-job-club          Not represented in MKHP
 CV writing & job clubs
 Emotional support        Samaritans                              Not represented in MKHP
 Education & training                                             Not represented in MKHP
 Employment               Job centre plus                         Not represented in MKHP
                          Works 4 US – employability charity
 Mental health advice     Connection support                      Not represented in MKHP
                          MIND BLMK                               Not represented in MKHP

                          MKC Mental Health                       See TFG findings e.g. homeless card
                                                                  for personal details, GP lead for
                          The Mix Support Group                   homeless

 Health & wellbeing       NHS
 Drug & alcohol advice    Compass
                          Centre at 33-37 Farthing Grove, MK

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

 Provisions
 What is needed?        Organisation                           Gaps
 Food                   MK Foodbank – 12 sites across MK       Fare share scheme?
                        MK Soup Run                            Not represented in MKHP
 Clothing and bedding   Re-use Community Project               Not represented in MKHP
                        MK Storehouse
                        Help our Homeless
                        Christ the Cornerstone Church
 Furniture              Re-use Community Project               Not represented in MKHP

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

APPENDIX 4 - Gap Analysis - One Stop Shop
The Winter Night Shelter (WNS) is working in partnership with Milton Keynes Development
Partnership (MKDP) and Milton Keynes Council to regenerate the Old Bus Station with the aim of
utilising the building to provide a 'one stop shop' for the vulnerable, homeless and in need.

Following extensive consultation in conjunction with MKDP, a new agreement has been signed
between WNS and MKDP for the use of the Old Bus Station in Central Milton Keynes. WNS has
appointed The Ridgeway Community Trust (RCT) as a managing agent to run the Old Bus Station.

The aim is for many of the support services in Appendix 3 to be provided over the next 3 years at the
One Stop Shop service in the Old Bus Station. The Bus Station project managed by Donna Elliott
plans to provide the following:

    •       Connect charities and groups under ‘one roof’ in Milton Keynes; a visible, engaging, and
            listening service, working in partnership with local people to shape services, and
            promote community unity.
    •       Community Centre that provides resources and high-quality services that prevent and
            support the homeless.
    •       Early preventative measures and infrastructure to support and maintain the recently
            rehomed.
    •       Clear pathways back to secure housing.
    •       Young people life skills, preparation for adult life
    •       Work preparation training, assistance with CV writing and interview preparation
    •       Money Advice facility to enable user to manage their money more effectively and offer
            debt advice,
    •       A longer-term aspiration to provide assistance with rented housing

The biggest challenges for delivery of the One Stop Shop model are support service take up of the
Old Bus Station facility and lack of access for those in need. Under the current terms of the lease, the
One Stop Shop will not be able to provide some of the services or access needed, particularly for
rough sleepers, as it is not permitted to allow drop ins.

Where we are to date

The facility is currently being refurbished with the aim of it being ready to offer support services in
early 2018. One stop shop facility at the Old Bus Station is to be branded as Unity Park Station. Unity
Park Station will be initially used by a number of different organisations who will book out a weekly
time slot and let themselves in / lock up the Old Bus Station. Use of the facility is free for those who
are meetings the needs of vulnerable people.

Discussions are underway with a number of partner organisations who provide niche services and
are interested in utilising the Old Bus Station facility. Outline discussions have taken place and in
some cases, partners have already agreed to provide services including:

    •       MK Money Lifeline (Money Advice services) – ad hoc basis
    •       MK Food Bank (food and provisions service)
    •       Open Door (Day-time homeless support and services)
    •       MK Storehouse (Clothing provision) – to provide packs of clothes for distribution
    •       Citizens Advice Bureau (Advice services) – likely to use the facility
    •       British Red Cross (vulnerable migrant service)

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

    •       Post-traumatic stress counselling for vulnerable migrants
    •       Sanctuary Hosting – migrants to be hosted in MK homes
    •       The Bus Shelter MK – An overnight facility for the homeless – to be discussed once bus
            shelter running
    •       Young adult mental health social services – to be organised
    •       Kings Arms Rough Sleeper project – in discussions
    •       Fire Services – potentially interested in running health and safety courses

What we would ideally like to provide

Once the facility is up and running with sufficient users, the aim would be to put in place a
Community Centre manager providing more regular opening hours and oversight of joined up
working.

Unity Park Station would then be able to become a Community Centre and provide access for those
who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to be assessed and sign posted to the service that
most meets their needs. For this to be achieved, it will be crucial that key organisations prioritise
joined up working and provide volunteers to offer services at the Old Bus Station.

Under the current terms of the MKDP lease drop in services are not permitted. As a result of this, a
number of services needed to support rough sleepers cannot be provided. The restriction on a drop-
in style set up appears to be a significant barrier to usage for many organisations.

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Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

APPENDIX 5 - Moving on process – sustainable homes
Another key factor for consideration is options to improve the speed of the moving on process from
temporary accommodation and the sustainability of tenancies to prevent homelessness. Without a
focus on the ultimate goal of sustainable homes, it is likely that ever increasing amounts of
temporary accommodation will be required.

There are approximately 130 rough sleepers (September 2017) and 800 households in temporary
accommodation (June 2017) as a result of the existing lack of supply and access to affordable
housing. The number of homeless has more than doubled in the last 10 years and will continue to
rise unless action is taken to address the shortage of affordable homes for those on the lowest
incomes and benefits.

The strategic review identified the need to engage more widely with housing providers and consider
options to increase the supply and access to social housing and the private rented sector. This is
needed to move people on from temporary accommodation e.g. from YMCA to permanent housing
to free up temporary bed spaces and provide a clear path to sustainable housing.

A joined-up approach to housing advice and money support between MK Council, Housing
Associations and the voluntary sector is also recommended to support sustainable tenancies.

A summary of the options to increase the supply and access to sustainable homes is below.

Social Housing
MKC’s supply of homes for those in need of social housing, both Council owned and Housing
Association, is decreasing. The supply of family sized social housing has fallen from 1,244 homes in
2012/13 to 388 homes in 2016/17. Restrictions on building new social housing mean that it is
necessary to consider alternative solutions to move people on from temporary housing.

Options for consideration are:

    •   MKC acquisition and development of existing properties for rent at sub market level
    •   Development of supported social housing. Access to government funding may be available
        following the Housing First programmes announced in the Autumn Budget 2017 to be
        piloted in three areas in England.
    •   Review of eligibility criteria for social housing. Aim to remove barriers to social housing
        eligibility with the appropriate support put in place e.g. financial eligibility, local connection,
        rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, criminal convictions.
    •   Include representation from housing associations in MKHP to encourage joined up working
        between homelessness support services and housing providers.

New build
MK rate of development from 2001 to 2011 was more than double that in England (18% vs 8.3%)
with 15,500 new dwellings built increasing MK housing from 86,500 to 102,000. Milton Keynes
continues to be a growing city with 26,500 new dwellings forecast to be needed in next 15 years
including 8,200 or 31% affordable dwellings (1). This provides an opportunity to work with housing
developers to ensure that sufficient affordable homes are built and made available to those on the
lowest incomes and within Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates.

The current MK Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for affordable housing requires developers
to include 30% affordable housing on their new build sites with 25% of homes being made available

                                                                                                         30
Milton Keynes Homelessness Partnership Strategic Review – December 2017

at 80% of the market rate and 5% at social rent levels. These targets are not being delivered with a
shortfall of 877 affordable homes vs 30% target in the last 10 years. Options to consider include:

    •   A review of the eligibility and financial affordability criteria to ensure that those on the
        lowest incomes and housing benefit are able to access these new homes.
    •   A review of the mix of houses, flats and shared accommodation to be provided to ensure
        they match the projected needs of families, single people and under 35s with the planned
        introduction of the shared accommodation rate from 2019.
    •   Include representation from developers in MKHP to encourage joined up working between
        homelessness support services and house builders and housing associations. Homes and
        Communities Agency Tenancy Standard requires registered housing providers to co-operate
        with local authorities; helping Councils to meet their homelessness duties.

Private rented sector
Landlords can be reluctant to let properties to homeless people and those in receipt of housing
benefits. A number of schemes are already in place to try and improve access to the private rented
sector, these include:

MKC Homebond – properties agreed prior to April 2013. Life time deposit bond and guarantee to
cover rent arrears and malicious damage

MKC Homes in Partnership (HIP) - Shorthold tenancy. Life time deposit guarantee, intensive support
for first 12 months

MKC Enhanced private sector leasing (PSL) - Long term lease. 10% premium over LHA rates, fully
managed by MKC including rent and repairs

Options to improve access to private rented accommodation include:

    •   MKHP helping the Council to proactively promote the existing schemes to increase the
        number of private landlords working with the Council.
    •   Additional incentives to help to identify more landlords that are willing to accept tenants on
        housing benefit e.g. rent insurance scheme, longer term assured tenancies.
    •   Include representation from the Private Landlords Forum in MKHP to share ideas, address
        concerns and promote the work of the Partnership to other landlords.
    •   Review the condition of private rental properties to secure sustainable homes not just
        somewhere to unsuitable to live.
    •   Joined up support and access to provisions such as food and furniture to manage tenancies
        and reduce the risk of escalating financial difficulties that lead to arrears.

Other options
There a number of other options to provide additional sustainable homes as summarised below:

    •   Lodging scheme matching those seeking with those letting rooms
    •   Social enterprise investment, for example partnerships with social rented schemes such as
        Green Pastures
    •   Shared accommodation e.g. review of the policy approach to homes of multiple occupation
    •   Government Funded options - Home Building Fund for Community Led Housing projects
    •   Housing Growth Partnership - social impact investor backed by Lloyds Bank and the Homes
        & Communities Agency to help address housing affordability by providing support to the
        regional residential development community to increase the number of new homes built

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