Tenants will have say on homeless policy idea

Stirling Council tenants will get a chance to air their views on a £2.6 million scheme which could see homeless applicants account for more than half of tenancies allocated.

Rapid Rehousing has been developed by the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Group (HARSAG) set up by the Scottish Government in October 2017 to produce short and long term solutions to end homelessness and rough sleeping.

In a report which was to have been discussed at last Thursday’s environment and housing committee, head of housing Lorna Cameron said the supply of social housing in Stirling was “extremely limited” and also that Stirling also had the lowest turnover rate for council housing in Scotland at five per cent.

Over the last five years the number of people presenting as homeless in Stirling area has risen by 75 per cent, from 339 in 2013-14 to 595 in 2017-18.

Those in Stirling typically spend 35 weeks in temporary accommodation against a figure for Scotland of 14 weeks.

Stirling currently spends around £3.8 million on temporary accommodation, while generating £2.2million in rental income. Around 67 per cent of homeless people are single people and 67 per cent are aged 26 to 59 years.

A recent Scottish Government report also revealed that Stirling has a substantially higher proportion of people experiencing “tri-morbidity” - those with a drug, alchol related, mental health issue - ranking sixth out of all 32 local authorities. This would relate to an estimated 53 households seeking help with housing, added the council report, and reinforces the need for experienced frontline support staff.

The Rapid Rehousing model was to have been decided upon at last Thursday’s committee, however, members agreed to defer a decision so it could be considered against other council policies.

Tory councillors also pointed out that the Housing Advisory Group, which represents current council tenants, should also have a chance to submit their views.

Over the five year transition period, it will cost Stirling £2.6 million to implement the rapid rehousing model.

Officers estimate it could generate around £6.5million in savings if there is a 100 per cent success rate.

Their report added, however: “A more likely scenario is a success rate of 50-70 per cent which could generate reductions in public expenditure in the region of £3.2million to £4.5million. Savings will be reinvested in the delivery of ... communitybased support services.”

They also expect the model to result in a fall in the average length of stay in temporary accommodation over five years from 35 weeks to 18 weeks, and the number of temporary units needed to drop by around 100 from the current 207.

The proportion of social tenancies allocated to homeless households should also rise from 40 per cent to 55-60 per cent.

If the proposal is agreed, a multi-agency Rapid Rehousing and Housing First steering group would meet comprising representatives from health, social care, criminal justice and the third sector, and plans developed.