The major item on the agenda for this meeting was an update on the Homelessness Service. Councillor Midgley commented that there had been some really positive progress made, even with ongoing pressures to the Service. The number of rough sleepers had dramatically reduced and there had been a turnaround in the number of families in B&B accommodation. Only two families were currently in B&B accommodation for over six weeks, from 131 in the last report, and only one family had been placed out of Manchester in B&B accommodation. This was bucking a trend nationally, which had seen the numbers of people who are homeless increasing. There were still pressures and MCC were still focused on prevention. Councillor Midgley gave a massive thank you to the whole Homelessness Service team and all organisations who work with MCC on this.
One of the two principal priorities of the Homelessness Service was to eliminate the use of B&B accommodation for families, as they are completely unsuitable and legally, this accommodation should only be used for six weeks and in exceptional circumstances. Homelessness numbers peaked in February 2023 and since then, the 814 households in B&B had reduced to 241 today. This included 227 families. There were a total of 2742 people in temporary accommodation.
MCC had managed a reduction in numbers with a range of changes including to the social allocations policy, creating an incentive for people to contact MCC early. Also, they had enabled people to retain their priority award, even if they take private housing in the interim. MCC had also carried out over 1000 case checks so they were more aware of what was happening in the service and this helped people to move on. They had utilised dispersed provision, which was much cheaper than B&B, and capital leasing schemes.
There was 61 people rough sleeping at the time of the last report and that had reduced to 37 at the end of May. This was a result of work done over the last five years, including the availability of an off the street urgent offer, the outreach service and move on options. MCC had planned to lease 200 properties but this number would probably not be needed now. Only 45 had been required so far.
Another priority was to have a better spread of accommodation across the city, with more in the North at present. MCC were currently in the process of procuring 400 new properties and officers were confident of a £4m saving from temporary accommodation. Some or all of this money might still need to be used for other purposes within Homelessness Services.
The officers mentioned Reach out to the community and other VCSE organisations who have paid an important role in tackling rough sleeping. MCC want to work more with the sector on support for homeless families. They also mentioned an amazing commitment from the Manchester Homelessness Partnership providers and that VCSE organisations sit in various partnership meetings and influence provision of services. There were also co-production groups with people with lived experience.
At the meeting, there was also an agreement to establish a Task and Finish Group on crime and disorder, and an update on the VCSE Infrastructure contract. This contract had been in place for a decade and it played an important part in strengthening the VCSE sector. The contract, currently held by Macc, included support and partnership to VCSE organisations, volunteering, and leading and advocating with and for the sector. This contract was funded by MCC and the NHS. A five year timescale for the new contract has been proposed and a draft specification written. There would be a focus on fewer priorities and a focus on work with all communities, that would be accessible and culturally appropriate. Other priorities would be on BAME support, North and East Manchester, a link with Making Manchester Fairer, both universal support but also targeted support, and partnership working.
MCC were currently working on developing the process, the questions to be asked and contract management. Further member engagement would take place next week. There would be a representative panel process and a group of officers to make the final decision.