Agenda and minutes

1.1 The Chair updated those in attendance on the meeting etiquette and that the meeting was being recorded and livestreamed.

1.2 Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Adejare. Councillor Joseph, as Vice-Chair, would chair the meeting.

1.3 Apologies for absence were also received from Councillor Sadek.

2.1 The Chair advised that apologies had been received from the Mayoral Advisor for Private Rented Sector and Housing Affordability.

2.2 Item 5: Cabinet Question Time - Accountability of Private Rented Sector and Housing Associations was therefore removed from the agenda and postponed until a later date.

3.1 There were no declarations of interest.

4.1 The Chair opened the discussion by explaining that unaffordable and insecure housing, a lack of social homes, and changes to benefits and local housing allowance had led to a sharp increase in homelessness in London in recent years, and that this had increased demand for temporary accommodation across the capital.

4.2 The Chair explained that the Commission had requested this item as it was keen to hear about the current situation with regards to the provision of temporary accommodation in Hackney. It was particularly keen to understand what temporary accommodation was like, how common certain issues were, and how it impacted people.

4.3 Representing London Borough of Hackney

·  Councillor Sade Etti, Mayoral Advisor for Housing Needs and Homelessness

·  Ian Williams, Group Director for Finance and Corporate Finances

·  Rob Miller, Strategic Director for Customer and Workplace

·  Beverley Gachette, Strategic Commissioner Mental Health & Prevention

4.4 The Chair invited the Mayoral Advisor for Housing Needs and Homelessness to give a short verbal presentation to supplement the written evidence included within the agenda papers. The main points are highlighted below.

4.5 The Council had a statutory duty to ensure that suitable accommodation was available to homeless households that are accepted as being in priority need. The Council, along with all other London councils, was experiencing a significant increase in the number of households facing homelessness and approaching the Council for help.

4.6 The Council can provide accommodation from its own stock or arrange for it to be provided by another landlord, such as a housing association or landlord in the private rented sector. If settled accommodation was not immediately available, temporary accommodation must be made available until the applicant finds a settled home or other circumstances bring the duty to an end such as where a household voluntarily leaves temporary accommodation.

4.7 The issue of housing affordability was particularly severe in Hackney. Households in temporary accommodation were at its highest point in 2021, with over 3,200 living in temporary accommodation. Of these, over 1,200 were placed outside of the borough, and over 2,000 were placed within the borough.

4.8 While the number of households placed in temporary accommodation had remained relatively stable, the profile of households had changed. Approaches from single households were continuing to increase, as well as the number of large families and households with multiple and complex needs.

4.9 The Council was committed to ensuring as many households were placed in temporary accommodation within the borough as possible, and within Council owned accommodation units where possible. In 2021, 249 households were placed in Council owned hostels, and 122 were placed in registered social landlord accommodation. A substantial number of units were also provided through repurposing void properties on regeneration estates.

4.10 At the same time, the Council had increasingly needed to make use of expensive short-term and nightly let accommodation to place households. This was because many landlords that remained in the temporary accommodation market chose to offer short-term and nightly let arrangements only as this was where  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

5.1 As previously advised, this item was postponed until a later date.

6.1 The draft minutes of the previous meeting held on 16th February 2023 were presented.

6.2 Members agreed the draft minutes as an accurate record.

7.1 The Chair referred to the Commission’s work programme and highlighted the discussion items planned for the remainder of the municipal year.

7.2 Members noted the change of date for the joint meeting with the Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission to review progress against the outcomes of the Child Q Safeguarding Practice Review, which would now be held on 25th April 2023.

7.3 A Commission Member asked how the Commission would continue its enquiry into temporary accommodation following the meeting. It was noted that the Chair would agree a way forward on any follow up action with Members.

7.4 A Commission Member asked whether the Commission would consider some of the findings of the Casey Review when devising its work programme for the new municipal year. It was noted that Members would have the opportunity to put their views forward before the work programme was agreed.

7.5 A Commission Member asked when the postponed Cabinet Question Time on Accountability of Private Rented Sector and Housing Associations would be held. It was advised that the Chair would look to agree a new date with the Mayoral Advisor as soon as possible.

8.1 There was no other business.