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Stockport Preventing Homelessness Strategy 2016 - 2021: 2018 update
Stockport Preventing
Homelessness Strategy
1. Foreword
2. Introduction and context
3. Service developments
4. Homelessness overview
• Homelessness, prevention and relief
• Decision breakdown
• Reasons for homelessness
• Vulnerability
5. Related strategies and areas of work
• Homelessness Reduction Act
• Stockport Housing Strategy
• Stockport Allocations Policy
• Greater Manchester strategies
• Health strategies
• Other related strategies
6. Responding to customer groups and emerging needs
7. Strategic priorities
8. Resources and monitoring
9. Action plan progress update
10. Action plan refresh
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Homelessness Strategy
1. Foreword
Nobody should be unable to access a warm, safe home. Nobody should be living
on the streets. Nobody should be “sleeping rough”. In the 21st century and in the
fifth richest country in the world it is an indictment on our society that we even
have homeless people who, for whatever reason, do not have access to secure and
safe housing.
Local authorities accepted 15,290 households as being statutorily homeless
between 1 July and 30 September 2017, up 6% on the previous quarter and 2% on
the same quarter of the previous year. These are households that are owed a main
homelessness duty to secure accommodation as a result of being unintentionally
homeless and in priority need.
• The total number of households in temporary accommodation on 30 September
2017 was 79,190, up 6% on a year earlier, and up 65% on the low of 48,010 on 31
December 2010
Local Authorities took action to prevent and relieve homelessness for 52,190
households between 1 July to 30 September 2017, down 1% from the same quarter
in 2016.
DCLG - National Statistics December 2017
Since the launch of the Preventing Homelessness Strategy in 2016, nationally, there
has been be a renewed effort to reduce homelessness by tackling the causes and
focus on prevention. The introduction of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
places new duties on Local Authorities to provide assistance and relief to everyone
threatened with homelessness and extends the period during which a person can
be considered as threatened with homelessness from 28 days to 56 days. Although
there is already a strong emphasis on preventing homelessness in Stockport, this
will inevitably result in more people seeking the Council’s assistance and lead to
further pressures on resources.
The Council and Stockport Homes are well placed to implement the new
requirements and deal with the pressures. It remains vitality important that the
Council makes best use of its existing resources and those of its partners, including
working proactively with the third sector, Greater Manchester and new channels
such as social investors to secure other sources of funding and support.
The Action Plan included in this Strategy is a working document and will be
reviewed regularly in light of any local or national changes.
Cllr Sheila Bailey - Executive Member Communities and Housing.
Stockport Preventing Homelessness Strategy 2016 - 2021 3Stockport Preventing
Homelessness Strategy
2. Introduction and context
2.1 Introduction
Homelessness is a complex, challenging issue but the current climate sees a
renewed focus on prevention and tackling its root causes. Since the launch of the
Stockport Preventing Homelessness Strategy in 2016 the pace of national and
local change has been rapid and shows no sign of slowing. This document provides
an update to the 2016-21 Strategy, and its live action plan.
2.2 National context
Homelessness and housing has increased in prominence on the political agenda,
echoed in the recently renamed Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local
Government.
As mentioned in the current Preventing Homelessness Strategy, the Government
has brought forward legislative changes to ensure those at risk of or experiencing
homelessness are provided with the advice and support that they need to alleviate
these circumstances.
There have also been shifts by the Government in its approach to welfare reform –
although significant challenges remain, especially in terms of the affordability of
independent living for some customer groups.
2.2.1 Homelessness Reduction Act
The provisions of the Homelessness Reduction Act will begin on 3 April 2018. Its
main provisions are:
• Enhanced advice and information on prevention of homelessness;
• Extending the period during which customers can be considered as
threatened with homelessness to 56 days;
• New duties to prevent and relieve homelessness for all;
• Providing customers with in depth assessments and personal housing
plans, in which they will be encouraged to work collaboratively with Housing
Options Teams and other services;
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Homelessness Strategy
• Encouraging public bodies to work together, including a duty to refer
customers who are threatened with homelessness.
The Homelessness Reduction Act is supported by a revised Code of Guidance and
further secondary legislation to be confirmed during 2018.
2.2.2 Ongoing welfare reform
Since the introduction of the current Preventing Homelessness Strategy, the
Government has announced that they do not intend to pursue some previously
announced welfare reform plans. This includes the application of Local Housing
Allowance Rates to the social housing sector, which would have had a significant
impact on affordability for under 35s and larger families.
Challenges remain, including the benefit cap and limiting housing costs for 18-21
year olds; the Preventing Homelessness Strategy includes actions to help support
customers affected by these.
The Government is also still pursuing a review of how short term accommodation,
including homeless hostels and refuges, is funded. These changes will be closely
monitored and responded to as part of the Strategy’s live action plan.
2.3 Local context
2.3.1 Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Greater Manchester has seen its visibility and strength as a city region increase
since the introduction of the current Preventing Homelessness Strategy, including
the election of a regional Mayor.
As part of the Government’s commitment to supporting Greater Manchester
to develop in a way that is responsive to local needs, a £3.8 million Greater
Manchester Homelessness Prevention Trailblazer was confirmed in 2017. Led by
the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), this Trailblazer is promoting
collaborative working across all 10 local authorities around several workstreams:
• Data, systems and information, which looks at common templates, recording
and practices to ensure customers get a consistent level of service across all
10 authorities;
• Local Hub development, which will increase the ways customers can access
support;
Stockport Preventing Homelessness Strategy 2016 - 2021 5Stockport Preventing
Homelessness Strategy
• A Social Lettings Agency Approach across the region, increasing the
availability and quality of private sector provision;
• Development of a Homelessness Action Network comprised of supportive
organisations, stakeholders and individuals;
• Roll-out of a Housing First Model, which is also being supported in other city
regions;
• Developing common Pathway approaches, particularly in relation to
customer groups most commonly and adversely affected by homelessness
such as offenders;
• Alignment and integration with Health, including refreshing the Greater
Manchester hospital discharge protocol.
The Council and Stockport Homes are represented across all of these workstreams,
playing an active part in preventing homelessness and improving services for
customers across Greater Manchester.
Another key priority in Greater Manchester is rough sleeping, which the Mayor
has committed to ending by 2020. This will be supported by the Trailblazer
workstreams, and also the launch of a £1.8 million rough sleeping Social Impact
Bond, which will seek to work with the most entrenched rough sleepers across the
region.
2.3.2 Stockport Housing Partnership
Registered Housing Providers from across Stockport are committed to preventing
homelessness, and as such have made the following pledges:
• As a partnership, we will work together to develop and support new ways of
working with homeless people with complex needs – for example ‘Housing
First’ approaches;
• We will work collaboratively to promote tenancy sustainment and support
tenants in the transition to Universal Credit;
• We will support Greater Manchester initiatives to prevent and relieve
homelessness – for example through its Trailblazer programme;
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Homelessness Strategy
• We will strategically and operationally support employment and health
based initiatives for those at risk of homelessness on a local and sub-regional
basis;
• We will ensure all our teams working with customers have an up to date
knowledge and awareness of homelessness, its causes and the role they can
play in addressing it;
• We will prioritise the building of affordable homes to rent.
These pledges are highly supportive of actions within the Preventing Homelessness
Strategy, and are echoed across the Greater Manchester region.
2.3.3 Stockport Homelessness Forum
The Council continues to facilitate and chair the Stockport Homelessness Forum, a
network of cross-sector partner organisations and providers with a commitment
to preventing and tackling the root causes of homelessness. The Forum has
oversight and input into the Preventing Homelessness Strategy, including the
delivery of actions to ensure its successful implementation.
2.3.4 Stockport Housing Commission
Introduced at the same time of the current Preventing Homelessness Strategy,
the Stockport Housing Commission’s remit is to oversee the strategy for housing
across the Borough, and its related functions. This includes receiving reports on
housing related issues intended for inclusion on the agenda for the GMCA, which
includes homelessness.
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Homelessness Strategy
3. Service developments
Whilst the Housing Options Team is at the frontline of homelessness assistance
and prevention, there are many other services within the Council and its partners
which have been developing initiatives over the past year to support homelessness
prevention. The diagram below shows some of the changes which have been
introduced over the first year of the current Preventing Homelessness Strategy:
• Gold Standard achieved, reflecting a commitment to continuous
improvement and providing housing advice and support to all
customer groups.
Housing Options
• September 2017 saw the Housing Options Team move to new
Team premises at Stockport Homes’ Cornerstone headquarters, offering
improved customer facilities including increased interview room
space and one-stop access to all Stockport Homes services.
• Housing Options for Older People (HOOP) Officer introduced,
providing advice and support to customers seeking accommodation
more appropriate to their needs, or help to stay put whilst ageing
Supporting
well.
Vulnerable Groups • New Housing First service for victims of domestic abuse introduced
in partnership with Threshold, supporting customers in Oldham,
Stockport and Tameside.
• Ongoing collaborative work with local day services The Wellspring
and Loaves and Fish to support customers at risk of sleeping rough.
• Menu of holistic activities introduced by charity H3 (Helping
the Homeless into Housing) to customers living in temporary
Third Sector accommodation, helping to support mental and physical wellbeing.
• Ongoing partnership working within The Prevention Alliance and
Wellbeing and Independence Network (WIN) to support vulnerable
customers and prevent them reaching crisis point.
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Homelessness Strategy
4. Overview of homelessness
Homelessness is rising nationally and in Stockport increased over the lifetime of
the previous Homelessness Strategy, although high levels of prevention show an
excellent response to tackling the issue.
Figure 1: Homelessness Prevention and Relief vs. Acceptances
Homelessness prevention and relief are heightened in importance under the
Homelessness Reduction Act, so Stockport’s commitment to these will continue to
grow throughout the lifetime of this Strategy.
Figure 2: Homelessness Decisions
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Homelessness Strategy
Since the introduction of the current Preventing Homelessness Strategy trends
have become more positive, with homelessness declining so far in 2017/18 in
comparison to the year before.
2017/18 (Q3) 2016/17 (Q3)
Full duty 137 181 Decreasing
Intentional 19 13 Increasing
Non-priority 151 165 Decreasing
Ineligible 3 6 Decreasing
Prevention 1482 1228 Increasing
Relief 83 87 Consistent
Figure 3: Main reasons for homelessness (full duty decisions)
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Homelessness Strategy
Households becoming homeless due to eviction from assured shorthold tenancies
has become the main cause of homelessness in Stockport over the past three
years. Domestic abuse also continues to result in homelessness at similar levels
each year. Parental and family exclusion are declining thanks to a strengthened
Mediation Service delivered by Stockport Homes.
2017/18 2016/17
(Q3) (Q3)
Asked to leave by parents 21 32
Asked to leave by other friends / relatives 6 21
Relationship breakdown 9 11
Domestic abuse 28 26
Violence 6 5
Harassment 1 1
Mortgage arrears 4 3
Rent arrears 1 0
Termination of Assured Shorthold Tenancy 48 50
Other termination reason, for example, illegal eviction 4 5
Required to leave Home Office asylum support 4 6
accommodation
Left prison 0 2
Left hospital 3 4
Left care 2 9
Left forces 0 1
Other 0 5
The main reasons for homelessness above, and vulnerability below, relate to
households owed the main / full homelessness duty as per current Government
reporting requirements. The type of data collected around homelessness is due
to change under the Homelessness Reduction Act, with a new collection regime
called H-CLIC enabling local authorities to report on a much wider range of details
and produce a more comprehensive overview of homelessness and associated
support needs. This will be used to inform the Strategy’s ongoing live action plan.
Stockport Preventing Homelessness Strategy 2016 - 2021 11Stockport Preventing
Homelessness Strategy
Figure 4: Vulnerability
Some groups, including households with dependent children and care leavers aged
18 - 20, are automatically considered in ‘priority need’; vulnerability is assessed
on a case by cases basis for other groups, based on a composite assessment of a
homeless customer’s needs. This information does, however, help to identify key
trends and identify actions within the Preventing Homelessness Strategy.
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Homelessness Strategy
5. Related strategies and plans
5.1 Stockport Housing Strategy
The current Housing Strategy for Stockport was developed alongside the
Preventing Homelessness Strategy. The two share principles of maximising
housing options, increasing supply, meeting the needs of vulnerable residents and
responding to the challenges of welfare reform.
5.2 Stockport Allocations Policy
Stockport’s Allocations Policy was also reviewed in 2016, echoing both the Housing
and Homelessness Strategies’ commitment to meeting housing need, supporting
vulnerable groups and making best use of stock.
The Allocations Policy will have a further review alongside this Strategy to ensure
it is fit for purpose in supporting homelessness prevention and relief under the
provisions of the Homelessness Reduction Act.
5.3 Stockport Tenancy Strategy
The Tenancy Strategy sets out the Council’s commitment that it will not make
use of flexible tenancies in local authority accommodation; this is echoed by
Registered Providers in the Borough, promoting sustainable communities.
Under the Government’s Housing and Planning Act 2016 however most new
tenancies are now proposed to be 2-10 years long, subject to review. There are
some exceptions to this; for example current social housing tenants transferring
properties to escape domestic abuse.
5.4 Greater Manchester strategies
A Greater Manchester Strategy, Our People Our Place, was launched in 2017 with
reference to increasing housing supply and ending rough sleeping by 2020. A
Greater Manchester Homelessness Strategy, led by the Mayor’s Homelessness
Action Network, will be introduced in 2018; Stockport Council is committed to
ensuring its own Preventing Homelessness Strategy reflects priorities within this,
and will review the live action plan accordingly to meet shared priorities.
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Homelessness Strategy
5.5 Health strategies
The Council is committed to ensuring that the health needs of homeless people
are identified and reflected in Stockport’s wider health strategies.
Stockport’s Homeless Health Audit, carried out as part of the current Preventing
Homelessness Strategy, helped inform the 2016/17 Joint Strategic Needs
Assessment of health issues in Stockport. The Housing Options Team also worked
closely with Public Health to develop their annual strategic report, which in 2017
took a particular focus on housing.
5.6 Other related strategies
Homelessness is intrinsically linked with a number of other areas; it is a complex
issue which cannot be addressed in isolation from other support needs. Actions
within the Preventing Homelessness Strategy will continue to be reviewed to
reflect priorities within other related strategies, including criminal justice, social
care, education and young people.
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Homelessness Strategy
6. Responding to customer groups and
emerging needs
This Preventing Homelessness Strategy update has identified ongoing trends
in homelessness in Stockport, particularly termination of assured shorthold
tenancies and domestic abuse. In terms of customer groups, care leavers and
people with mental and physical health needs are also identified as being affected
by homelessness.
Combined, this picture reflects some the customer groups cited in the updated
Homelessness Code of Guidance as being in particular need of advice, support and
clear rehousing pathways; these are:
• Domestic abuse;
• Care leavers;
• People with an offending history;
• Former members of the Armed Forces;
• Modern Slavery and Trafficking.
The Preventing Homelessness Strategy live action plan has been reviewed as part
of this update to ensure it meets the needs of these groups.
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Homelessness Strategy
7. Strategic priorities
The Preventing Homelessness Strategy draws on actions and insight from all of
the related strategies, data, research and consultation noted above and in the
Homelessness Review into the following strategic priorities:
1. To raise awareness and educate people on how to prevent homelessness
and signpost to support
2. For agencies and local authorities to work together and develop services to
best meet the needs of people who are homeless
3. To develop housing pathways to support specific client groups
4. To identify and address the health needs of homeless people
5. To support customers through the welfare reform changes to ensure they
are fully prepared for the impact
6. To continuously monitor trends in homelessness and wider connected
issues to ensure commitment to continuous improvement
7. To develop and improve the private rented sector, including the
implementation of a Private Rented Sector offer and developing Stockport
Homes’ social lettings model
8. To seek to address local housing supply issues in order to prevent and
relieve homelessness and continue to avoid the use of bed and breakfast
accommodation for homeless households.
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Homelessness Strategy
8. Resources and monitoring
Stockport Council is committed to utilising the Preventing Homelessness Grant
and other more recently welcomed funds provided by Government for their stated
purpose – preventing homelessness.
It has to be acknowledged that budget pressures within the local authority mean
that additional funding is unlikely to be dedicated to achieving actions within the
Strategy. The Strategy will therefore make best use of the existing resources that
the Council and its partners have, including working proactively with the third
sector, Greater Manchester and new channels such as social investors to secure
other sources of funding and support.
Stockport Homes will continue to be responsible for driving forward the delivery of
the Preventing Homelessness Strategy; the Council retain statutory responsibility
and oversight. Stockport Homelessness Forum will continue to monitor the
progress of the Strategy bi-annually.
The action plan is treated as live document, with priorities and resources reviewed
in accordance with changes to the local and national context.
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Homelessness Strategy
9. Action plan progress report
Completion Date
Start Date
Aim No
Action Targets Status
2 Map and co-ordinate Knowledge bank Stockport Homes has undertaken
employment, established; outcomes an internal mapping exercise
December 2016
education and monitoring system in resulting in a reconfiguration
April 2017
training support place. of services and development
across the borough of a single point of referral for
to reduce duplication their employment, training and
and ensure best volunteering initiatives
use of resources to www.stockporthomes.org/
support customers. employment-support/
4 Undertake Homeless Audit undertaken and Audit completed and outcomes
Link Health audit in action plan produced; incorporated into Stockport
December 2016
light of increased new services JSNA. Range of holistic therapies
April 2017
presentations from introduced where introduced within TA as a result, for
single people with needed. example, physical activity, massage
complex health and social activities; Charity
needs, and develop Development Officer recruited by
action plan based on Stockport Homes to coordinate.
the outcomes of this.
6 Achieve remaining Stockport recognised Achieved July 2017, one of the first
December 2016
Gold Standard as ‘Gold’ authority; 10 local authorities to achieve Gold.
April 2017
challenges. continuous
improvement plan
embedded.
8 Review the Allocations Increased use of Reviewed to include reduction
Policy to make mutual exchanges; in downsizing points to promote
December 2016
best use of stock, customers impacted exchanges. Affordability
April 2017
particularly through by welfare reforms assessments also introduced to
mutual exchanges minimised. ensure appropriate offers are made.
between those who
are overcrowded /
under-occupying.
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8 Develop an action Affordable temporary Temporary Accommodation
plan around making accommodation provision reviewed and increased to
best use of temporary pathways in place include:
accommodation in December 2016 for all groups; • Housing First flats for customers
light of welfare reform current services and who would benefit from semi-
April 2017
changes and growing placements made independent living
demand from diverse more sustainable; • Shared flats for single households
customer groups. no use of bed and affected by welfare reform or
breakfast. working
Stockport continues to
operate three main temporary
accommodation schemes and
resist the use of B&B.
3 Review and promote Increased moves Housing Options for Older People
December 2016
housing options to appropriate (HOOP) worker in place providing
April 2018
for older people to accommodation; targeted advice and support for
support health, care decreased pressure on older people.
and appropriate health services.
accommodation
needs.
3 Work with Appropriate sources Updated Housing Options Team
neighbouring of support identified procedures for addressing eligibility,
authorities and and published; including signposting to third
voluntary / rough sleeping levels sector support and joint working
April 2017
April 2018
community sector reduced. with Social Care as appropriate. No
partners to ensure current significant demand from
advice and support this group; continuing to monitor
is available to people and use resources available across
from abroad who may GM, for example, Booth Centre.
become ineligible.
3 Review prevention Re-design of website Housing Options Team reviewed
options available and literature directed information provided to
for homeowners in at homeowners; homeowners at risk of repossession.
April 2017
April 2018
light of the end of promotion of shared Shared Ownership Officer recruited
the Mortgage Rescue ownership. by Stockport Homes, and the
Scheme and changes organisation also continues to
to Support for consider individual property
Mortgage Interest. purchases where appropriate.
Stockport Preventing Homelessness Strategy 2016 - 2021 19Stockport Preventing
Homelessness Strategy
3 Work with Social Care Joint working protocol St Basil’s undertook evaluation of
and Stockport Family and pathways service for care leavers in Stockport
December 2016
service to review the reviewed; reduction in finding strong joint working
April 2018
St Basil’s Positive unplanned outcomes / between housing and Social Care,
Pathway and develop homelessness. with plans to extend this where
information packs opportunities arise for new service
and accommodation developments. Homelessness is
pathways for young positively reducing amongst care
people. leavers.
3 Support the Pathways to Alliance for Positive Relationships
Alliance for Positive perpetrator is now based with the Prevention
Relationships interventions Alliance, aligning early intervention
December 2016
in developing established; reduction services. Additional service
April 2018
appropriate options in homeless contracted by the Council from
for people fleeing presentations; January 2018 to deliver a ‘housing
domestic abuse, increase in preventions first’ scheme for people with
including staying – remaining in own complex needs fleeing domestic
put / work with homes. abuse.
perpetrators.
4 Work jointly with Housing represented H4 Health Advocate, who is co-
partners in the within Action Group; located between charity H3 and
borough to share plan in place to tackle Stockport Homes, attends the
knowledge of and use. Action Group as well as other
develop an approach associated project meetings.
April 2017
April 2018
to tackling the use Legal highs continue to present an
of new psychoactive issue across Greater Manchester,
substances – formerly but services continue to raise
known as “legal awareness of its effects and work
highs”. together to share intelligence and
tackle issues around supply and
use.
5 Identify tenants Dataset established Within Stockport Homes,
affected by by SHP members; customers are identified and
forthcoming welfare action plan in place supported by Money Advice /
reforms, particularly to undertake targeted Employment teams. Quarterly
December 2016
application of Local work. updates are taken to its Board.
April 2018
Housing Allowance Stockport Housing Partnership has
and benefit cap, incorporated welfare reform as
and offer targeted one of its homelessness pledges,
budgeting, and continues to support affected
employment advice customers. These pledges, and
and rehousing the impact of welfare reform, are
pathways. monitored at partnership meetings.
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Homelessness Strategy
5 Support the SROI assessed; savings Stockport Homes’ Pantry and
development and reflected in reduced Furniture Recycling Project continue
expansion of money- rent arrears / ability to to support customers across the
April 2017
April 2019
saving sources meet other payments. borough to save money. Customers
for customers, for saved £127,887 on their food bills
example, Your Local in 2016/17 through using Your
Pantry and furniture Local Pantry. Social impact of Your
projects. Local Pantry demonstrated over
£195,000 of net benefit in 2016/17.
7 Develop a Sharing scheme in A dedicated scheme has not
scheme to offer place in both social been pursued due to Government
affordable shared and private housing in announcements that LHA will
April 2017
April 2018
accommodation for time for LHA changes. not be applied to the social
under 35s at the Local rented sector. Shared tenancies
Housing Allowance are however available through
level. Stockport Homes in the social and
private sector, and also through
Temporary Accommodation.
Stockport Preventing Homelessness Strategy 2016 - 2021 21Stockport Preventing
Homelessness Strategy
10. Action plan update: 2018
Aim 1 Education, awareness raising and signposting
Key Objectives • Ensure customers can access support when and where they need it
• Enable partners to better support customers threatened with
homelessness
• Equip young people with the skills to maintain future tenancies
Lead agency / agencies Stockport Homes; Services for Young People
Project Manager Rehousing Services Manager, SHG
Key partners Prevention Alliance; Localities Hubs; Schools / Colleges
Resources Staff time
Completion
Start Date
Date
Action Targets Status
Develop annual briefing Yearly programmes and
April 2017
April 2021
programmes on homelessness increased insight; partners
and accommodation pathways for better able to advise
customer contact points and partner customers.
organisations.
Develop a “no wrong door” approach Outreach established via
working with key partners linked partners; self-help options
April 2017
April 2019
to the Locality Hubs, particularly available to customers in P2
focussing on Priority Two areas.
neighbourhoods as identified in the
Review.
Build on existing relationships with Increased awareness in
schools and youth facilities to further schools via training and
2019
2020
April
April
develop education projects around literature; reduction in youth
housing and budgeting. presentations.
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Homelessness Strategy
Work together and develop services to best meet the needs of
Aim 2
homeless people
Key Objectives • Make best use of resources through shared resources, virtual teams
and co-location where beneficial
• Ensure strategic and operational commitment to preventing
homelessness
• Streamline referral routes into key housing and support pathways
• Develop holistic services which tackle the core causes of
homelessness and promote future housing stability
Lead agency / agencies Strategic Housing; Stockport Homes; Children’s Social Care
Project Manager Rehousing Services Manager, SHG
Key partners Stockport Housing Partnership; Greater Manchester (GM) authorities;
Prevention Alliance
Resources Staff time; existing budgets as appropriate
Completion
Start Date
Date
Action Targets Status
Develop a borough-wide response New Tenancy Strategy Date and
to proposed fixed-term tenancies to in place agreed by action
April 2017
April 2019
promote sustainable communities and Stockport Housing change
prevent homelessness, with appropriate Partnership. due to new
provision included for victims of domestic Government
abuse and/or other violence. guidance.
Explore developing virtual teams and Cost savings; increased
2018
2019
April
April
physical co-location approaches where visibility and access
practical and appropriate. points for customers.
Continue to develop relationships Cross-borough projects
within GM to tackle mutual trends in established; evaluation
2017
2021
April
April
homelessness, for example, shared of cost savings / Social
service provision and spot purchasing. Return on Investment.
Work together with Children’s Services to Increased take-up of
expand homelessness prevention options staying put options;
2017
2020
April
April
for care leavers, such as staying put and reduced homelessness
supported lodgings. amongst care leavers.
Take advantage of new funding Funding bids made; new
2017
2021
April
April
opportunities as they arise, for example, projects in place.
social investment bonds.
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Homelessness Strategy
Aim 3 Develop housing pathways to support specific client groups
Key Objectives • Ensure housing pathways are in place for all client groups identified
within the Homelessness Review
• Prevent vulnerable groups from falling through gaps and reduce
repeat homelessness
Lead agency / agencies Stockport Homes; Strategic Housing; Children’s Social Care
Project Manager Rehousing Services Manager, SHG
Key partners Prevention Alliance; Multi-Agency Adults at Risk System (MAARS);
Greater Manchester Authorities; Voluntary and Community Sector
Resources Staff time; existing budgets as appropriate; seek to secure external
funding
Completion
Start Date
Date
Action Targets Status
Continue to develop pathways and MAARS website and literature
December
April 2020
action plans to work with individuals reviewed; options in place for
2016
with complex needs and barriers ‘ineligible’ (Allocations Policy) /
to rehousing to prevent repeat repeat homeless applicants.
homelessness.
Utilise the ‘Making it Count’ tool to Value of existing projects
help retain existing services/make demonstrated, for example,
2018
2020
April
April
the case for future commissioning hospital discharges.
for specific groups.
Review and adapt service provision Pathways in place with CRC / Date change
for offenders in light of changes
October 2018
NPS / any other commissioned due to HRA
April 2017
to the National Probation Service services; increased
(NPS) and Community Rehabilitation homelessness prevention.
Company (CRC), ensuring there are
housing pathways available for this
group.
Review the Armed Forces Covenant Covenant published; New action
and support provided to current and awareness raising amongst
April 2018
April 2019
former members. public and private sector
agencies; homelessness
minimised amongst this
group.
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Homelessness Strategy
Implement Duty to Refer and review Single point of contact New action
October
2018
2018
April
joint working protocols with partner established; homelessness
organisations. prevention increased.
Undertake mapping of advice Mapping published online; New action
2018
2019
April
April
services in the borough. provision in place for all
customer groups.
Aim 4 Identify and address the health needs of homeless people
Key Objectives • Increase the stability of tenancies and temporary accommodation
placements for those with health needs
• Support the business case for developing new support services
Lead agency/ agencies Stockport Homes; Strategic Housing
Project Manager Rehousing Services Manager, SHG
Key partners Public Health; Health and Wellbeing Board; Drug and Alcohol Services;
Voluntary and Community Sector
Resources Staff time; existing budgets as appropriate
Completion
Start Date
Date
Action Targets Status
Work with the local Health and Increased visibility of housing
Wellbeing Board and health services issues at this higher Strategic
April 2018
April 2020
to develop partnership working that Level; embedding of hospital
prevents homelessness and improve discharge project; embedding
the health and wellbeing of local of counselling within TA.
people.
Stockport Preventing Homelessness Strategy 2016 - 2021 25Stockport Preventing
Homelessness Strategy
Aim 5 Support customers through welfare reform
Key Objectives • Prevent homelessness due to welfare reform
• Help customers to access affordable and sustainable accommodation
• Provide appropriate support and advice to affected customers
Lead agency / agencies Strategic Housing; Stockport Homes
Project Manager Social Inclusion Manager, SHG
Key partners Stockport Housing Partnership; Stockport Credit Union
Resources Staff time; existing budgets as appropriate
Completion
Start Date
Date
Action Targets Status
Pilot new ways of providing Local guidelines for direct Date
budgeting advice to tenants using payments introduced; referral change
April 2017
April 2019
best practice. pathways to advice established. due to
Welfare
Reform
changes.
Undertake mapping of private sector Mapping produced identifying Date
affordability in the Borough against areas of affordability; action plan change
April 2017
April 2018
Local Housing Allowance rates to produced to target landlords / due to
establish affordable housing options increase stock. Welfare
for customers. Reform
changes.
Undertake affordability assessments Increased staff training in
with all customers presenting for affordability; Customers given
April 2017
April 2021
advice and assistance who are personalised action plans;
affected by welfare reform changes rehousing only into affordable
to maximise income and prevent options.
homelessness.
Continue to work in partnership Literature produced and provided
with Stockport Council to support to tenants identified from previous
April 2017
April 2019
Stockport Credit Union, particularly mapping; provision of immediate
targeting customers affected by loans to customers; development
forthcoming welfare reforms to of support for purchasing white
encourage savings and reduce the goods; growth in CU memberships
use of inappropriate loans. and loans granted.
26 Stockport Preventing Homelessness Strategy 2016 - 2021Stockport Preventing
Homelessness Strategy
Continue to support digital inclusion Digital access points and
strategies in the borough to ensure assistance increased across the
2017
2019
April
April
residents are able to manage the Borough.
transition to Universal Credit.
Continuously monitor trends in homelessness and wider connected
Aim 6
issues to ensure commitment to continuous improvement
Key Objectives • Develop and maintain regular insight to prevent future homelessness
• Ensure a corporate commitment to continuous improvement through
achieving all 10 Gold Standard challenges
Lead agency/ agencies Stockport Homes; Strategic Housing
Project Manager Homelessness Strategy Development Officer, SHG
Key partners Stockport Homelessness Forum; Voluntary and Community Sector;
Stockport Local Assistance Scheme (SLAS)
Resources Staff time; external funding secured where possible.
Completion
Start Date
Date
Action Targets Status
Develop a more robust system for New database / other method Date change
April 2017
April 2019
capturing, profiling and monitoring of monitoring introduced; due to GM
rough sleepers to ensure every reduced duplication of Trailblazer
individual has an action plan for services. and SIB.
moving off the streets.
Undertake quarterly monitoring Identification of ‘hotspots’;
April 2017
April 2021
of repossession statistics in the prevention offer developed
borough, particularly focussing on and targeted at landlords and
landlord repossessions in light of tenants.
findings within the Review.
Adapt and develop Stockport Local SLAS to become more
April 2017
April 2019
Assistance Scheme in light of budget sustainable; new initiatives
pressures to ensure it is a viable developed, for example, food /
prevention tool helping customers fuel poverty.
remain in their existing homes.
Stockport Preventing Homelessness Strategy 2016 - 2021 27Stockport Preventing
Homelessness Strategy
Expand the capture of local data and Data monitoring system
intelligence regarding homelessness established and updated
April 2017
April 2019
via the Stockport Homelessness on a quarterly basis; action
Forum, using this to develop local plan developed in response
responses. if required to target affected
groups.
Implement H-CLIC requirements via December H-CLIC reporting in place; New action
July 2018
common Greater Manchester data 2017 intelligence used to inform
management system. future strategic developments.
Undertake needs assessment within Comprehensive understanding New action
temporary accommodation ahead of demand in place supporting
2018
2020
April
April
of potential changes to short-term proposed Statement of
funding. Expectation.
Aim 7 Develop and expand the private rented sector.
Key Objectives • Utilise PRSO discharge powers to make best use of stock and ensure
customers are provided with suitable rehousing options
• Grow the private rented sector in Stockport to make it a more thriving
and viable option for customers, especially under 35s
• Provide support to landlords to prevent homelessness where possible
Lead agency / agencies Stockport Homes; Strategic Housing
Project Manager Housing Strategy Manager, SMBC
Key partners Stockport Homes Lettings Service; Revenues and Benefits;
Environmental Health; Shelter
Resources Staff time; existing budgets as appropriate
Completion
Start Date
Date
Action Targets Status
Develop a dedicated contact point Service available and
April 2018
April 2019
and literature for private sector publicised; increased
landlords considering serving notice prevention activity within
to prevent homelessness / facilitate private sector..
planned moves.
28 Stockport Preventing Homelessness Strategy 2016 - 2021Stockport Preventing
Homelessness Strategy
Monitor the use of the Private Rented Annual evaluation of policy’s
Sector Offer policy, evaluating the use; action plan developed if
2017
2021
April
April
appropriateness of each property needed
used.
Undertake promotional campaign Improved literature and
April 2017
April 2019
and develop package of incentives website in place; increase
to attract landlords to Stockport in landlords registered with
Homes’ Lettings Service. service and rehousing options
available to customers.
Aim 8 Seek to address local housing supply issues
Key Objectives • Have in place initiatives which reduce overcrowding and under-
occupation
• Ensure sufficient emergency accommodation options are in place
• Grow the private rented sector and make best use of existing stock
• Develop new housing options including development of stock for
shared ownership and market rent
Lead agency / agencies Stockport Homes; Strategic Housing; Stockport Housing Partnership
Project Manager Housing Strategy Manager, SMBC
Key Partners Registered Providers; Environmental Health; Voluntary and Community
Sector
Resources Staff time; existing budgets as appropriate
Completion
Start Date
Date
Action Targets Status
Continue to support empty homes Increase in the number of
work, particularly supporting the empty homes brought back
2018
2021
April
April
growth of the private rented sector into use for rent.
and shared accommodation.
Support the implementation of Increase overall affordable
2017
2021
April
April
development strategies amongst housing supply for both rent
local Registered Providers. and ownership.
Review supported accommodation Needs assessment New action
provision in light of proposed undertaken; supported
April 2018
April 2020
National Statement of Expectation, accommodation strategy in
with a particular focus on groups place.
disproportionately affected by
homelessness such as care leavers.
Stockport Preventing Homelessness Strategy 2016 - 2021 29Stockport Preventing Homelessness Strategy
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