Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 16^th June 2020.

The minutes of the remote meeting held on Tuesday, 16^th June 2020 were approved as a correct record subject to the inclusion of Christine Wood, Democracy Officer on the officer attendance list.

To determine whether there are any additional items of business which, by reason of special circumstances, the Chair decides should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.

In accordance with the provisions of Section 100 (B)(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Chair decided that the following item of business should be considered as an additional item at minute 8 as a matter of urgency

Temporary Accommodation for Homeless Households

To receive a report on the potential financial impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Purpose

To provide an additional interim update focussing on the potential financial impact on the 2020/21 revenue budget following the Coronavirus pandemic.

Reason for Decision

Asad Mushtaq noted that following publication of the agenda and reports, the Government had announced of an additional tranche 3 of funding that would be received by the Council which would cover some aspects of income and expenditure.   Details of the allocation of the funding had not yet been received.

Due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Council was looking at a projected budget deficit of £3.4m over the current financial year due to the increased expenditure and loss of income.  This equated to 22% of the Council`s current net budget and that currently any shortfall in funding would have to be met from reserves, however further significant government intervention would be required due to the current level of reserves not being sufficient to fund the estimated deficit.

Consideration had only been given to the short-term impact of the pandemic and Members were advised of the high probability that the impact would be longer-term, spanning future financial years, with increased costs and income losses.  Members were also advised that this may have an impact on future service delivery and that an analysis of the medium-term financial strategy (MTFS) would be carried out later in the year with an updated MTFS position being forecast.

Councillor Lishman referred to the current uncertainties, expressing thanks and praising officers for work that had been undertaken previously and work currently taking place.  Councillor Lishman introduced details of a 10-point Covid 19 recovery plan that the Executive envisaged for Burnley outlining the Executive’s vision and providing parameters.  The Executive tasked Officers to prepare a recovery plan that would incorporate the 10- point plan that was introduced by the Executive.   Further details of the plan would be brought forward to future meetings of the Executive and Full Council.

DECISION

That the Executive adopt the following resolution:

That Full Council be recommended to note:

1.    That the current forecast financial impact of Covid-19 as outlined in the report be noted, the financial impact be modelled and updated regularly to inform action plans to deal with the loss of income and increased expenditure; and

2.    That Officers continue to work on several options to mitigate the potential financial impact and bring forward options for decision as appropriate.  A review of some service provision may be necessary if additional Central Government funding is not forthcoming.

3.    That the Council, along with other District Councils and industry groups, continue to lobby Central Government for additional funding; and

4.    That it be recognised that additional funding has been received from Central Government following publication of the agenda/reports.

To seek approval to expand the provision of temporary accommodation for homeless households and those rough sleeping in Burnley and to respond to the motion to full Council regarding homelessness and providing a night shelter for rough sleepers.

Purpose

A report was submitted requesting that the Executive:

1.    Approve expansion of the provision of temporary accommodation for homeless households and those rough sleeping in Burnley; and

2.    To respond to the Motion to Full Council that was approved on 26^th February 2020, regarding tackling homelessness and providing a night shelter for rough sleepers within the borough of Burnley.

Reason for Decision

To prevent and relieve homelessness and rough sleeping in the borough through a comprehensive approach that will focus on providing individuals with accommodation and support to access and sustain settled housing. 

To expand and improve the provision of temporary accommodation in the Borough that will address identified gaps in current service provision by introducing direct access housing to assist the Council and other stakeholders to respond to immediate homelessness.

To ensure that Burnley Council, partners, and stakeholders have access to a wide and diverse range of services to meet the needs of homeless households within the borough.

To ensure that through the expansion of temporary accommodation services in the borough the type of accommodation introduced is in line with Government guidance on reducing the spread of Covid-19.

Councillor Lishman on behalf of the Executive expressed heartfelt thanks Paul Gatrell, Wilma Waddingham and the Housing Task Group for the excellent work that had been undertaken around homelessness and rough sleeping within the borough.

It was suggested by Councillor Lishman and agreed by the Executive that the Housing Tasking Group would continue to be in existence and to monitor how effective initiatives had been. 

Decision

That the Executive:

1.    Approves the implementation of the temporary housing scheme A Bed Every Night as set out in the report; and

2.    Approves the use of £45,000, identified through the budget amendment approved at Full Council on 26^th February 2020, as a contribution to fund the scheme; and

3.    Reports to Full Council that the proposals in the report is more sustainable than a night shelter and will strengthen the Council`s capacity to tackle rough sleeping; and

4.    Reports to Full Council that a draft Prevention of Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy has been prepared and that a consultation process would be undertaken soon.

5.    That the Housing Task Group would continue to be in existence to monitor the effectiveness of current initiatives (as agreed at the meeting).