Minutes:
Karen Shaw, head of housing solutions introduced herself and gave a verbal update on housing allocations for carers.
· The officer responded to the issues faced by young people on health and housing (e.g. studio flats) – currently 17,000 people were on the council housing register
· Updated the review of housing allocations scheme, which followed on from the committee meeting in March 2023
· Housing allocations policy: Officers agreed to talk to young people about this, to receive ideas
· The cabinet meeting would consider a report on the housing allocations policy
· Mentioned the different types of support – council housing, moving and minor repairs as well as gardening
· Properties with a garden were limited and generally allocated to families
· Resident service managers help people with hoarding
· In response to a question raised by the young people (care leaver steering group), regarding many staff were in her team – the officer said:
· 7 staff – register applications
· 4 staff – deal with allocations
· 2 to 3 staff – provide wider support on housing matters
· People in private rented properties had seen a large increase in their rent and housing solutions had been dealing with the additional pressures due to this increase in demand
· The team were trying to address the backlog due to the increase and have shared this information with the cabinet member for housing
· Waiting time: Housing solutions have tried to address this by reviewing and prioritizing all applications – with the aim of improvement within 6 months
· The team were in the process of finalising an action plan for care leavers on housing
· Joint protocol – devising a care leavers’ housing compact which involves housing directors across London to address homelessness (under 25s)
ACTION POINTS
· Produce a care leaver’s draft plan and present information to the care leaver steering group. In addition, if the draft plan should be readily available in November 2023 for the committee to endorse.
· Dr Jenny Taylor addressed the issue of health care amongst the under 18s – e.g. to address special educational needs and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) assessments (broaden criteria) for the under 18s.
· The chair suggested drafting this in form of a charter, addressing all points highlighted.