Homelessness-Prevention-Strategy-Review-and-Evidence-Base

Strategic Context 6

National Context 6

Since 2002, the government has prioritized homelessness prevention by increasing funding, setting ambitious targets, and requiring local councils to develop homelessness strategies The 2002 Homelessness Act broadened the definition of priority need to include more vulnerable groups and mandated local authorities to create strategies based on performance reviews, current services, and future needs This Act emphasized preventive measures and the importance of providing advice to everyone facing housing challenges.

The Government's focus on preventing homelessness remains strong, with continued support for Local Authority resources despite uncertain funding due to budget cuts Initiatives like the No Second Night Out Agenda and the Making Every Contact Count strategy have been instrumental in enabling local authorities to implement effective homelessness services These efforts aim to prevent homelessness, minimize reliance on temporary accommodation, and address severe cases such as families in Bed and Breakfasts and individuals experiencing rough sleeping.

No Second Night Out and Making Every Contact Count 6

The former Coalition Government in 2010 produced two key reports that directly link to Homelessness, “Vision to End Rough Sleeping, No Second Night Out” and

“Making Every Contact Count”, which was billed as the Government’s Homelessness Prevention Strategy

3.2.1 Vision to End Rough Sleeping, No Second Night Out

The previous Government established a cross-governmental working group to tackle homelessness, uniting Ministers from eight different Government Departments This initiative acknowledges that homelessness extends beyond mere housing concerns.

• Department for Communities and Local Government – Housing and homelessness

• Ministry of Defence – The welfare of veterans

• Department for Business, Innovation and Skills – Adult skills

• Department of Health – Health and care services

• Department for Work and Pensions – Benefits

• Ministry of Justice – Criminal justice

• Department for Education – Children and youth services

The group's mission is to prevent and reduce homelessness, highlighted by the publication of its inaugural report in July 2011 titled "Vision to End Rough Sleeping, No Second Night Out." This report outlines six key commitments aimed at eradicating rough sleeping.

• Helping people off the streets

• Increasing local control over investment in services

• Devolving responsibility for tackling homelessness

The report addresses the issue of single individuals experiencing homelessness without a priority need, highlighting both those living on the streets and those at high risk of rough sleeping It emphasizes the importance of addressing the underlying factors contributing to their homelessness.

The No Second Night Out initiative, launched in London, plays a crucial role in addressing homelessness by ensuring that individuals who find themselves sleeping rough receive immediate assistance, preventing them from spending a second night on the streets.

The report also made recommendations that all Local Authorities build on their existing services to adopt a gold standard approach which meets the No Second Nigh Out principles of:

• New Rough Sleepers being identified and helped off the streets so that they do not continue to Rough Sleep

• Members of the public being able to report Rough Sleepers

• Rough Sleepers should be able to access services where they can have their needs assessed and can receive advice on their housing options

• Rough Sleepers can access emergency accommodation and other services such as healthcare

• That Rough Sleepers are reconnected where possible and where there is not a good reason why they are unable to return

Link to the Government report “Vision to End Rough Sleeping – No Second Night Out”: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/6261/1 939099.pdf

Tamworth Borough Council has committed to the No Second Night Out initiative as part of the West Midlands Regional Homelessness Forum, aiming to address homelessness effectively across the region.

The Ministerial Working Group released "Making Every Contact Count," the Government's Homelessness Prevention Strategy, which emphasizes that homelessness has no place in the 21st century This strategy outlines the previous government's commitment to providing timely assistance to individuals at risk of homelessness, ensuring they receive help early to prevent the loss of their homes.

In the foreword to the report former Housing Minister Grant Shapps set out the vision:

The report presents a clear and ambitious vision: eliminating homelessness in the 21st century Achieving this goal hinges on proactive prevention efforts, with agencies collaborating to assist individuals at risk of becoming homeless.

The report emphasizes the importance of recognizing the triggers of homelessness and identifies specific groups that are at a higher risk It advocates for a collaborative, local approach to addressing homelessness, underscoring the principle that preventing homelessness is a shared responsibility among all community members.

The report outlines resources targeting high-risk groups and identifies several agencies receiving funding, with one designated as the lead for implementing strategic initiatives Additionally, it introduces the innovative concept of payment by results.

• The roll out of No Second Night Out (see appendix 1)

• £20m Homelessness Transition Fund which was administered through voluntary sector providers – Brighter Futures received a share of this and currently provides Tamworth Rough Sleeping Outreach service.

This link provides further information about the outreach service: http://www.brighter-futures.org.uk/?/street_services/scheme/rough_sleepers_team

• £10.8m administered by Crisis to support the voluntary sector to deliver access to the Private Rented Sector

• £18.5m to groups of Local Authorities to develop prevention services for singe homeless people

• £20m for local housing authorities for preventing repossessions

• Development of a national rough sleeper reporting line

For further information about the rough sleeper reporting line please see the following link: http://www.streetlink.org.uk/

A report was funded to enhance the processes of hospital admission and discharge for homeless individuals Additionally, a pilot program was initiated to improve health outcomes for those experiencing both mental health issues and substance misuse challenges.

The full report is available here: http://homeless.org.uk/sites/default/files/attached- downloads/HOSPITAL_ADMISSION_AND_DISCHARGE._REPORTdoc.pdf

The previous Government established ten critical challenges, known as the Gold Standard, for Local Authorities to fulfill its vision, emphasizing that it is the Local Authority's responsibility to implement these challenges effectively at the local level.

• Adopt a corporate commitment to prevent homelessness which has buy in across all Local Authority Services

• Have a Homelessness Strategy which sets out a proactive approach to preventing homelessness and is reviewed annually to be responsive to emerging needs

• Work differently with partners within the Public Sector, but also in the private and voluntary and community sectors to achieve outcomes

• Adopt a No Second Night Out model or an effective local alternative

• Actively engage in preventing mortgage repossession including through the Mortgage Rescue Scheme

• Housing Pathways with Commissioners considering different household groups, and identify the barriers to these being achieved

• Ensure that there is a housing options prevention service that is available to all clients and provides written advice

• Develop a suitable private rented sector offer for all client groups, including advice and support to both client and the landlord

• Not place any young person aged 16 or 17 in Bed and Breakfast Accommodation

• Not place any families in Bed and Breakfast accommodation unless it is an emergency and then for no longer than 6 weeks

Link to the report “Making Every Contact Count” https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/7597/2200459.pdf

The cost of Homelessness 10

A 2012 report by the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG), titled “Evidence Review of the Costs of Homelessness,” estimates that the financial burden of homelessness on the Government ranges from £24,000 to £30,000 per individual, with the net costs being lower This estimate is based on various prior studies conducted on the topic.

The paper then goes on to look at a break down of where the costs come from across all Government Departments:

Department for Works and Pensions: Costs are likely to increase as a result of benefits payments, employment programmes, associated administrations costs and payments to Local Authorities for administering Housing Benefit

The Department of Health reports that mental health issues, substance misuse, and alcohol dependency are significantly more common among the homeless population, particularly among rough sleepers Despite this, there is insufficient evidence regarding the number of homeless individuals accessing health services However, case studies indicate that the financial burden on public services due to individuals with multiple needs is substantial.

Research by the Ministry of Justice indicates a strong connection between homelessness and criminal behavior, with each factor exacerbating the other This relationship can lead to substantial financial burdens on the criminal justice system, with the estimated cost of a drug conviction reaching approximately £16,000.

Local Authorities: Expenditure on homelessness in 2010 – 2011 totalled almost £345m with nearly 1/3 of this being spent on temporary accommodation, £70m on prevention and the rest on the administration of homelessness functions

Link to the report Evidence Review of the Costs of Homelessness: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/7596/2 200485.pdf

Until recently, funding for Homelessness Prevention activities was provided directly to local authorities by the Central Government as a grant However, the Coalition Government integrated this funding into the Business Rate Retention Scheme, marking a shift in service funding rather than a reduction in the grant itself Local authorities are now encouraged to allocate these Homelessness Prevention funds towards developing a Gold Standard homelessness prevention service Starting in 2020, councils will retain their Business Rates, with homelessness funding sourced from this revenue.

The Central Government has confirmed ongoing investment in homelessness prevention until 2016, providing Tamworth Borough Council with the financial stability needed to implement crucial services aimed at preventing homelessness This review, along with the accompanying action plan, includes a spending strategy that identifies key areas for investment to enhance homelessness prevention efforts and improve health outcomes for those affected by homelessness.

Localism Act 12

The Localism Act passed in 2011 set out the coalition Government’s localism agenda with major changes to social housing regulation and tenure, planning and the introduction of new community rights.

For housing the main changes implemented under this Act were:

• The abolition of the Tenant Services Authority (TSA) and its regulatory function which was subsumed by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

• Changes in the way council house finance is delivered.

Local Authorities are now empowered to provide new tenants with 'flexible tenure' options, which consist of fixed-term secure tenancies instead of the conventional 'lifetime' tenancies Additionally, the Act introduces several modifications to promote the adoption of fixed-term tenancies by social landlords Furthermore, Local Authorities are required to develop a Tenancy Strategy to guide these changes.

• Statutory succession rights are reduced (for new tenants only) but it is now possible to confer additional succession rights under the tenancy agreement.

A unified Ombudsman for social housing has been established, allowing tenants to submit complaints directly to the Ombudsman or through a designated representative, such as a Councilor or MP.

The key changes to homelessness legislation is contained within sections 148 and

The Localism Act 2011, specifically Section 149, came into effect on 9 November 2012, introducing a statutory suitability order and additional guidance This legislation allows councils to fulfill their homeless duty by utilizing the private rented sector.

Recent changes in legislation have altered the process for individuals experiencing homelessness, as they can no longer decline offers of private rented accommodation while awaiting a social-rented home Now, Local Authorities are permitted to fulfill their obligations by providing a reasonable offer of housing in the private rental market.

Welfare Reforms 13

As well as introducing the Localism Act to address the deficit they introduced a number of reforms to the welfare system The changes made were:

The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) age threshold for the shared accommodation rate has been raised from 25 to 35 years, affecting only private tenants Consequently, single claimants under 35 will receive LHA based on the rate for a room in a shared property (£66.04 per week or £286.17 per month), instead of the higher rate for a self-contained one-bedroom property (£90.00 per week or £390.00 per month) This adjustment has been in effect for all new claimants since January 1, 2012, with existing claimants transitioned to the shared room rate at their benefit claim anniversary While individuals aged 18-35 can still occupy larger properties, they are expected to cover the difference in rent if they receive LHA.

Since April 2012, the assessment of Tax Credits has changed, resulting in a quicker withdrawal of credits as income increases Individuals aged 50 and older are no longer eligible for Working Tax Credit (WTC) when starting work of 16 hours or more For couples with children, the required working hours have been raised; they must collectively work a minimum of 24 hours per week, with at least one partner working 16 hours to qualify for WTC Additional payments are available for parents or children with disabilities, as well as for self-employed parents.

3.5.3 Council Tax Benefit (CTB) replaced with localised Council Tax Support schemes

Councils must implement local Council Tax Support Schemes, with national government funding reduced by 10% While a national scheme exists for pensioners, each council is responsible for creating its own scheme for working-age claimants This system has been active at Tamworth Borough Council since April 2013, requiring all Council Tax Benefit claimants to contribute to their Council Tax.

3.5.4 Under-occupation rule in the social rented sector (Commonly known as the “Bedroom Tax”)

In April 2013, restrictions were implemented for council and housing association tenants living in homes larger than necessary, resulting in a 14% reduction in housing benefits for those under-occupying by one bedroom and a 25% reduction for those under-occupying by two or more bedrooms This policy primarily impacts working-age individuals receiving rent assistance Initially, 559 households in Tamworth Borough Council accommodation were affected, and by April 2015, 349 claimants continued to experience the under-occupancy charge.

165 were in arrears with their rent payments (47% of those affected)

Since April 2013, a cap has been imposed on the total benefits that working-age households can receive, limited to £500 per week for families and £350 for single individuals Exceptions apply for households with a war widow, a Disability Living Allowance claimant, or a Working Tax Credit claimant Local councils are responsible for implementing this cap by reducing Housing Benefit payments until the specified limits are reached.

3.5.6 Social fund scheme transferred to Local Authorities

Staffordshire County Council has taken over the funding for Crisis Loans and Community Care grants, implementing its own local welfare scheme It's important to note that councils are not obligated to provide such schemes.

More detailed information about the Staffordshire Scheme is available here http://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/live/images/cme_resources/Users/Systems

%20Maintenance/Social-fund-leaflet180413.pdf

3.5.7 Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to be replaced

DLA is transitioning to a new benefit known as Personal Independent Payment (PIP), which will now be limited to children under 16 The rollout of PIP payments began in the West Midlands in 2015 Current DLA claimants will undergo a reassessment based on updated criteria before they can receive their new PIP payments.

3.5.8 Local Housing Allowance rates up rated by Consumer Price Index (CPI)

Since April 2013, Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates have been adjusted annually, utilizing the lower of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate or the actual rent increase in the private rental sector This change replaced the previous monthly up-rating method that was based on local rents.

Universal Credit is a consolidated benefit that replaces several existing benefits, including Housing Benefit, Income Support, and Tax Credit Claims for Universal Credit are submitted online, and payments are typically made as a single monthly household payment, covering housing costs and issued directly to the claimant Since October 2013, all new claims have been for Universal Credit, with a planned migration of existing claims over a four-year period, although this timeline has faced delays The rollout of Universal Credit commenced in Tamworth in 2015 for new claimants.

The Pension Service is now responsible for evaluating Housing Benefit for individuals of pension credit age, integrating it into Pension Credit The government has not yet announced the specific rollout dates, but this change may coincide with the implementation of universal credit, which started in Tamworth in 2015.

Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) is a financial aid provided by the Central Government to Local Authorities, enabling them to supplement housing costs beyond standard benefits Each year, these authorities receive a fixed allocation, and any unspent funds must be returned to the Central Government at the end of the fiscal year, with no additional funds available until the following year.

Generally DHP is used to assist with rental costs but its use is discretionary and can also be used for wider costs such as:

To support claimants during the welfare reforms transition, the central government has significantly increased funding for Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) from £20 million annually to £165 million for 2013/14, and £135 million for 2014/15 across the nation.

In 2014/15 Tamworth Borough Council awarded £111084 in Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) the budget for DHP payments was £111054

Reason for Award Number of Award Cost (£)

Removal of Spare Room Subsidy 201 67014.94

Source – Tamworth Borough Council Benefits Department 3/2/15

Tamworth Borough Councils Discretionary Housing Payments Policy: http://democracy.tamworth.gov.uk:9071/documents/s5960/Enc.%202%20for

%20Welfare%20Benefit%20Reform%20Discretionary%20Payments.pdf

The Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) provides essential guidance on Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) through its best practice guide, which outlines key procedures and eligibility criteria for applicants This comprehensive resource is designed to assist local authorities in effectively administering DHP, ensuring that individuals facing financial hardship receive the necessary support for housing costs For detailed information, access the full guide at the DWP's official website.

The recently elected conservative government proposals that may have an impact on housing and homelessness include:

• Cutting benefits for under 21 year olds, including automatic entitlement to Housing Benefit for under 21s

• Extending Right to Buy to Registered Provider’s Housing stock

• The devolution of power from Westminster and to the Regions, in this region, this is the West Midlands Combined Authority.

• The closure of the Independent Living Fund for disabled people http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-33307821

• Continued role out of Universal Credit

• Extending the Help to Buy scheme, and the new Help to Buy ISA

• Construction of 200,000 started homes sold at 20% below the asking price for first time buyers under the age of 40

• Offering 10,000 homes to rent below market rent to allow households to have the opportunity to save for a deposit for up to 7 years

• The government have also committed to save an extra £12 billion from the Welfare Budget

Legal Context 17

The primary legislation governing the responsibilities of Tamworth Borough Council regarding homelessness is Part VII of the 1996 Housing Act, which was amended by the Homelessness Act 2002 Before these amendments, all households recognized as homeless were entitled to permanent housing, but the changes in legislation have altered this entitlement.

In 1997, councils were mandated to provide temporary accommodation for homeless households classified as being in "priority need." Access to permanent social housing is now determined by a "reasonable preference" system through the choice-based lettings scheme, as outlined in Part VI of the Housing Act 1996 The Homelessness Act 2002 further expanded the definition of "priority need" groups.

• 16 and 17 year olds (except relevant children i.e those who Social Services have a responsibility under the Children (leaving care) Act 2000)

• people who are considered vulnerable as a result of fleeing violence (or threats of violence)

• people who are vulnerable as a result of spending time in the armed forces, serving time in prison or a care background.

Should the Council find an applicant unintentionally homeless, eligible for assistance with a priority need for accommodation, the Council has a duty under section 190 (2) to:

• Ensure that accommodation is available for the applicants occupation for such period as it considers will give the applicant a reasonable opportunity to secure accommodation

• Provide the applicant, or secure that the applicant is provided with, advice and assistance in any attempts they may make to ensure accommodation becomes available for their occupation

If an applicant is classified as intentionally homeless, eligible for assistance, and lacks a priority need, the Council is required under section 190 (3) to offer advice and support in their efforts to find suitable accommodation.

Regional Context 18

5.1 The West Midlands Regional Homelessness Forum

The West Midlands Homelessness Forum is a multi-agency forum that has a number of key tasks:

• Supporting sub-regional activity on homelessness

• Promoting partnership working across the region and sub-regions

• Informing practice across the region

• Promoting prevention of homelessness across the region

Tamworth Borough Council collaborates with various West Midlands Local Authorities, voluntary sector organizations, housing providers, and key partners like the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) and NACRO The forum's primary goal is to positively impact individuals at risk of homelessness or those already experiencing it This is achieved through fostering joint efforts, sharing best practices, and influencing regional policy and investment decisions.

Tamworth Borough Council has joined the West Midlands initiative, No Second Night Out, demonstrating its commitment to ending homelessness This partnership outlines the Council's efforts to meet the Gold Standard by adopting the No Second Night Out model or implementing a suitable local alternative.

The West Midlands Regional Homelessness Forum has its own website which can be found here http://www.wmrhf.org.uk/index.asp?ID=1

Funding for the forum was secured until 2016, but with the withdrawal of the organization that provided administrative support, the forum's future is now under consideration.

5.2 What is happening in Staffordshire?

5.2.1 Communities and Local Government Single Homelessness Funding

In 2015, Tamworth Borough Council, alongside other authorities in Staffordshire, Shropshire, and Telford and Wrekin, received a total of £560,000 to address single homelessness and support the No Second Night Out initiative across the region.

The Shropshire and Staffordshire Housing Partnership developed an action plan after conducting a needs analysis that highlighted five key priority areas for improvement.

• Increase access to the private rented sector for all single homeless people

• Increase access to the private rented sector for single homeless with more complex needs

• Increase access to accommodation and support for offenders

• Reduce numbers of rough sleepers and implement NSNO across the partnership areas

• Fewer young people are homeless or at risk of homelessness as a result of parental eviction/family and friends no longer willing to accommodate

• Reduce the risk of vulnerable households becoming homeless as a result of the introduction of Universal Credit and other welfare reforms.

To enhance the quality of housing advice provided to households, it is essential to ensure that all local authority partners adhere to a minimum standard of guidance This includes delivering written advice that is clear and accessible, using plain English to facilitate understanding for all individuals seeking assistance.

A research report conducted by Midland Heart revealed the prevalence of rough sleepers, leading to the establishment of a Rough Sleepers Outreach Service for the County, initially piloted by Brighter Futures.

After the pilot's success, Brighter Futures secured additional funding through a successful Homeless Transition Fund Bid, enabling the continuation of the service for 12 months To extend this support beyond the initial period, the partnership matched the HTF bid, ensuring the service's availability until March 2016.

Derventio Housing has partnered with private sector landlords in South Staffordshire to enhance access to the private rented sector by leasing properties for three years, specifically aimed at housing single individuals aged 18 to 35 with low or no support needs Although the initial contract has concluded, Derventio continues to manage three leased properties in Tamworth, offering shared accommodation that provides 12 bed spaces available for referrals from Tamworth Borough Council.

Staffordshire County Council has developed several strategies aimed at addressing housing and homelessness issues in Tamworth, alongside their funding activities These initiatives are being implemented throughout the region, ensuring a significant impact on local housing conditions.

The Staffordshire Flexi Care Housing Strategy 2010‐2015

This strategy outlines a plan to enhance housing and care opportunities in Staffordshire by identifying the necessary flexi-care or extra care units for each district It emphasizes the importance of collaboration to effectively meet both current and future needs within the community.

The strategy anticipates a significant increase in the older population across the County, particularly in Tamworth, where it is projected that half of the elderly residents will live alone, many suffering from long-term health conditions By 2030, Tamworth is expected to need 823 units of flexible care housing to accommodate this growing demographic.

The link to this Strategy can be found here: http://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Resources/Documents/s/st/StaffsFCHStrategy20102 015v101.pdf

The 2012 – 2016 Staffordshire Strategy for Tackling Domestic Abuse

Breaking the Cycle is Staffordshire's inaugural Domestic Abuse Strategy, outlining the approach of the Safer and Stronger Communities Strategy Group to combat domestic abuse in the region Each agency within the Strategy Group has appointed a 'champion' tasked with ensuring their organization actively works to minimize both the occurrence and effects of domestic abuse.

The link to this strategy and its action plan can be found here: http://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/community/communitysafety/Documents/Breaking- the-Cycle -Staffs-Domestic-Abuse-Strategy-2012-16.pdf

The 2012‐2015 Staffordshire Housing Support and Independence Strategy

The Staffordshire Housing Support and Independence Strategy outlines the framework for Staffordshire County Council's commissioning activities, focusing on providing housing support and empowering individuals to maintain their independence for as long as feasible.

This strategy can be found here: http://www.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/pages/Staffs

%20Housing%20Support%20and%20IndependenceStrategy-v1%202.pdf

Local Context 21

The Tamworth Strategic Partnership (TSP) unites essential local agencies from public, private, voluntary, and community sectors to tackle the complex challenges facing Tamworth This collaborative platform fosters discussions and advancements on issues aimed at enhancing the quality of life for the Tamworth community.

The partnership has been structured to ensure that it is fit for purpose to deliver on Tamworth Borough Councils vision and priorities for Tamworth

Table 2 shows how this strategy addresses the TSP priorities

Table 2 – How the Councils Homelessness Strategy will address the TSP Priorities

TSP Priority How this Strategy will address these priorities

A safe environment in which local people can reach their full potential and live longer healthier lives

By offering a preventative approach to homelessness by providing a service that is proactive and responsive to individuals needs.

A sustainable and thriving local economy, a more aspirational and competitive place to do business

The prevention of homelessness will enable individuals to contribute to the local economy.

Webpage link giving more information on the TSP: http://www.tamworth.gov.uk/tamworth-strategic-partnership

6.2 Tamworth Borough Councils Healthier Housing Strategy

The Tamworth Borough Council's Healthier Housing Strategy, established in 2011, emerged from recommendations by the Health Inequalities National Support Team, which highlighted the benefits of a combined Housing and Health Strategy This initiative prioritizes addressing homelessness and is currently undergoing a review, with a new strategy anticipated for release in 2016.

The new Homelessness Strategy will serve as an appendix to the existing Healthier Housing Strategy, aligning with the Council's Tenancy Strategy It aims to enhance and build upon the actions outlined in the Healthier Housing Strategy, directly addressing the current priorities established within it.

“One Tamworth (the people), Perfectly Placed (the place)”

There are suitable homes for everyone (Access)

• There is a greater choice of homes

• Households are able to move to a quality affordable home

• People are able to afford a wider range of housing options

Homes are healthy, warm and safe (Aspects)

• Homes in all tenures will be safe, warm and well – maintained

• People take responsibility for improvements in the quality of their home

People are able to maintain and independent and healthy lifestyle (Individual Behaviour)

• There is a reduction in all forms of homelessness

• Vulnerable people are supported to live independently

• People are able to make informed decisions to improve their housing circumstances

Neighbourhood environments enable safer and healthier communities (Neighbourhoods)

• Homes of all tenures are in well designed and managed neighbourhoods

• People and communities are able to take control and responsibility for neighbourhoods

Table 3 shows how this strategy will address the priorities contained within the Councils Healthier Housing Strategy

Table 3 – The Councils Healthier Housing Strategy and how the Homelessness Strategy will address these

Healthier Housing Strategy key priorities

How this Strategy addresses these issues

There are suitable home for everyone By providing a comprehensive range of advice and assistance to enable people to move in to decent and affordable homes

Creating healthy, warm, and safe homes is essential for preventing homelessness By collaborating with partners to address safety concerns, we can help individuals maintain their independence Our comprehensive housing solutions service not only prevents homelessness but also empowers people to make informed decisions that enhance their living conditions and support independent lifestyles.

Neighbourhood environments enable safer and healthier communities

By empowering people to take control and responsibility for their neighbourhood

Tamworth Borough Councils Healthier Housing Strategy can be found here: http://www.tamworth.gov.uk/sites/default/files/housing_docs/Healthier_Housing_Strat egy.pdf

The healthier housing strategy is currently under review and is due to be updated

6.3 Tenancy Strategy and Allocations Schemes

Section 153 of the Localism Act, effective since June 2012, outlines the essential connection between various schemes and strategies that Local Authorities must consider when formulating their homelessness strategies.

This section enshrines in legislation the relationship between the Local Authority Homelessness Strategy, the Allocations Policy and the Tenancy Strategy.

Since April 1, 2013, Tamworth Borough Council has implemented flexible fixed-term tenancies exclusively for new tenants in council accommodation, while individuals moving into sheltered or adapted properties will continue to receive secure tenancies.

153 Relationship between schemes and strategies

In section 3 of the Homelessness Act 2002 (homelessness strategy) after subsection 7 insert –

“(7A) in formulating or modifying a homelessness strategy, a local authority in England shall have regard to –

(a) its current allocation scheme under section 166A of the Housing Act

(b) its current Tenancy Strategy under section 150 of the Localism Act

(c) in the case of an authority that is a London Borough Council, the current London Housing Strategy”

Flexible fixed-term tenancies will undergo a review every five years, allowing families whose circumstances have changed to transition from social housing to the private rented sector or affordable homeownership This review process takes at least six months, during which tenants will receive support in finding alternative accommodation This approach ensures that social housing remains available for families and individuals in the greatest need Families whose circumstances have not changed will be granted an extension of their tenancy for another five years.

Tamworth Borough Council's Tenancy Strategy emphasizes the need for collaboration with Registered Providers in the area to effectively prevent homelessness.

The Council expects Fixed Term Tenancies to be re-issued upon expiration, barring significant changes in circumstances Collaboration with Registered Providers is encouraged to develop management strategies and criteria, enabling the Housing Solutions Service to effectively prepare for these anticipated changes This proactive approach aims to reduce health risks linked to tenure uncertainty.

Tamworth Borough Councils Tenancy Strategy can be found here: http://www.tamworth.gov.uk/sites/default/files/housing_docs/Tenancy_Strategy.doc

Under the Localism Act, Registered Providers must publish Tenancy Policies This article summarizes the key points from the policies of the three largest Registered Providers managing properties in Tamworth.

All of Midland Heart existing tenants will remain on their current tenancy types. However new tenants will be offered one of the following tenancy types.

Table 4 – Tenancies to be offered by Midland Heart

Tenancy Type Who this will be offered to

Licence Agreement • Customers who do not have exclusive occupation of the property This usually

The tenancy type will be offered to specific groups, including customers residing in emergency hostel accommodation, those utilizing garages or parking spaces, and service occupiers in tied accommodation who hold service occupancy agreements.

Assured Shorthold Tenancy • Customers living in a property where

Midland Heart is the leaseholder

• Customers living in intermediate rented properties

• Customers living in rent to homebuy properties who have not purchased all or part of the property

• Customers living in market rented properties

• Customers with limited leave to remain in the UK Starter Tenancy (Assured

Shorthold Tenancy – leading to Assured Non Shorthold)

• New customers who directly before becoming a Midland Heart tenant did not hold a social housing tenancy; and

• (Only until the TSA National Standard on Tenure is amended to allow the use of fixed term tenancies as Midland Heart sees appropriate, expected to be April

2012) they are moving into a property that has not been designated an affordable rent property

In April 2012, when the TSA National Standard on Tenure is revised to permit Fixed Term Tenancies, Midland Heart will utilize this tenancy type selectively It will primarily apply to customers relocating to Midland Heart properties where the need for such housing is expected to remain stable, particularly in cases involving sheltered and extra care accommodation.

(Assured Shorthold Tenancy – leading to Fixed Term)

• New customers who directly before becoming a Midland Heart tenant did not hold a social housing tenancy; and

• (Only until the TSA National Standard on Tenure is amended to allow the use of fixed term tenancies as Midland Heart sees appropriate, expected to be April

2012) they are moving into a property that has been allocated an affordable rent property; and

Tenancy Type Who this will be offered to

In April 2012, the TSA National Standard on Tenure will be amended to permit Fixed Term Tenancies, which Midland Heart will implement for all new customers who did not previously hold a social housing tenancy This change will also apply to customers in designated live/work accommodations and those under Assured Non Shorthold agreements.

Tenancy • Existing Midland Heart customers with an Assured Non-Shorthold Tenancy that are transferring to another Midland Heart owned property with 3 bedrooms or less or

Midland Heart provides housing for customers transitioning from existing social housing tenancies, ensuring that their accommodation needs remain stable in the future This includes options such as sheltered and extra care accommodations Additionally, the organization caters to leaseholders who own a share of their property.

• Customers who own their home and Midland Heart owns the freehold of the land

Secure Tenancy • Existing Midland Heart Secure Tenants who transfer to another Midland Heart owned property

5 year Fixed Term Tenancy • New customers who directly before becoming a Midland Heart tenant did hold a social housing tenancy

• Customers who have successfully conducted a Fixed Term Starter Tenancy

• Customers who have successfully conducted a Fixed Term Tenancy and Midland Heart is happy to grant a further Fixed Term Tenancy

• Any existing tenant choosing to transfer to a property with 3 bedrooms or more and their tenancy status is not protected in law Source – Midland Heart Tenancy Policy v2

The policy stipulates that Fixed Term Tenancies will be renewed in all cases unless there is a significant change in circumstances In instances where renewal is not possible, a clear procedure is established to provide advice and assistance to tenants.

You can find a copy of the policy here https://www.midlandheart.org.uk/displayfile.asp?idW336

Approach to the review and Strategy Development 35

The Tamworth Borough Council last Homelessness Strategy identified the following as priorities:

• Improve and Enhance Homelessness Prevention Activities

• Reduce the use of and time spent in Temporary Accommodation

• Improve joint working to ensure effective partnerships are in place

• Increase the supply of affordable housing and provide more settled homes

• Improve access to accommodation and services, particularly for vulnerable young people and those at risk of becoming homeless

The review process commenced with a gap analysis of the previous Homelessness Strategy's Action Plan, detailed in Appendix 2 of this document This analysis utilized a red, amber, green system to assess the service's achievements, ongoing efforts, and actions that remain unfulfilled.

This review aims to analyze existing evidence to establish a strong and relevant foundation It examines current trends and forecasts potential future challenges The gathered evidence assesses whether existing priorities remain valid, need adjustments, or if new priorities have emerged.

The review of the previous Homelessness Strategy incorporated national policy changes and revised priorities, leading to the development of a new strategy While the core priorities have largely remained consistent, they have been updated to reflect the evolving context of past Coalition Government initiatives, the successes of previous efforts, and Tamworth Borough Council's focus on Housing and Health The newly identified priorities aim to address these changes effectively.

• Improving and Enhancing Homelessness Prevention Activities

• Improving joint working to ensure effective partnerships are in place

• Increasing the supply of affordable housing and provide more settled homes

• Improving access to accommodation and services, particularly for vulnerable people and those at risk of becoming homeless

• Improved Health Outcomes and reduced health inequalities for those at risk of homelessness or homeless people

This review also considers how local services could be adapted or reconfigured to meet the “10 Local Authority Challenges” set by Government in Making Every

The Strategy and Action Plan will be reviewed and updated annually to align with the priorities of the Healthier Housing Strategy and address its requirements effectively.

Figure 2 – How the homelessness strategy was developed

Analysis of data and evidence

Policy context and Statutory Requirements

Ongoing consultation and engagement with key partners and members

Assessing outstanding priorities, actions and emerging challenges Identifying key achievements and success factors

Evidence base and Draft Strategy

9 Consulting on the new Homelessness Strategy

According to Section 3(8) of the Homelessness Act 2002, local authorities must consult with relevant public bodies, voluntary organizations, and other appropriate individuals before adopting or modifying their homelessness strategy However, the Council retains the discretion to decide whom to consult within these guidelines.

In addition to these groups identified consultation should also be undertaken with:

• Local strategic groups including the Health and Wellbeing Board, so that the Strategy integrates local service delivery across a range of partnership activity

• Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) in light of the welfare reforms

• Those who access the service

• Private Sector Landlords given that Homelessness Duty can be discharged into the Private Rented Sector.

Operational staff possess valuable insights into existing service gaps and have potential solutions to enhance responsiveness to customer needs.

Ensuring effective and wide consultation is undertaken with Stakeholders will support Tamworth Borough Council to satisfy the Strategic Element of the Gold Standard

Final Strategy and Action Plan Published

In July 2012 the Government published new guidance on consultation principles. Whilst these are not legal or statutory they do provide useful guidance for Councils. The new guidance says

This guidance recommends that given the complexity of Homelessness Strategies that they are consulted on for a minimum period of 12 weeks

Tamworth Borough Council is currently developing a corporate consultation strategy Consultation of this strategy will be conducted using the principles outlined by government and those in the corporate consultation strategy

This section outlines the evidence used to assess the relevance of current priorities in the development of the new Homelessness Strategy, guiding the Action Plan and resource allocation aimed at preventing homelessness.

10.1 Progress since the last Homelessness Strategy

Since the last Homelessness Strategy was approved, the Council and its partners have made much progress to improve services and prevent homelessness in Tamworth.

Some of the key successes include: (For a full breakdown of what was achieved from the previous Homelessness Strategy Action Plan – see Appendix xx)

What we said we would do What we did

Launch the CAB money advice service The service was tendered for in 2011 and was successfully delivered The contract for the service was extended for a further

2014 and following a successful Tender this service has been reviewed, remodelled and will be delivering from April 2014 for a period of 1 year initially. The service offers a Court Desk and

Consultation timeframes must be realistic and proportionate, ensuring stakeholders have adequate time to respond thoughtfully The necessary duration for consultation can vary based on the proposal's nature and impact, including factors such as the diversity of interested parties, the complexity of the issue, and any external events Typically, these timeframes range from two to 12 weeks.

The Money Advice Service plays a crucial role in preventing homelessness, while the new Tenancy Sustainment Service for Tamworth Borough Council tenants, included in the same contract, ensures value for money This contract was developed in collaboration with Communities, Planning, and Partnerships, utilizing the Commissioning Framework to avoid duplication of services The partnership aims to ensure that the Generalist Advice Service and the Money Advice Service work in harmony to provide comprehensive support to residents.

Review and amend the education programme with a particular focus on its partnership approach

A full and comprehensive review of the Tamworth Homelessness Education Program was undertaken in January

In 2012, resources were redesigned and accredited to effectively support the PSHE curriculum in schools Additionally, a pilot project was launched in West Midlands prisons, offering a pre-tenancy training package for prisoners facing No Fixed Abode upon release, in collaboration with Nacro and the National Offender Management Service (NOMS).

The Staffordshire and Shropshire Homelessness Prevention Partnership provided funding to create a series of films focused on homelessness, resulting in national recognition for THEP by Shelter Additionally, the prison project has been highlighted in a Shelter report addressing the issues of homelessness among offenders.

Tamworth Borough Council, in collaboration with Waterloo Housing, has successfully secured a portion of £100 million from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to revitalize empty homes over a three-year period.

2012 to 2015 As a result of this a number of homes were bought back in to use as affordable housing, and the council have 100% nomination rights on these

The 2011 Census puts the total population of Tamworth at 76,813 compared to 74,531 at the 2001 census, equating to a 3% increase in the population of the town.

Tamworth is the smallest borough in Staffordshire, with population projections indicating a potential increase of 14% by 2035 According to Figure 1, the population of Tamworth is expected to rise steadily until 2033.

Fig 3 – Population Projections for Tamworth to 2033

Tamworth has a relatively young population, although there has been a decline since the 2001 Census, which reported 64% of residents under the age of 45, compared to 58.8% in 2011 The largest age group in 2001 was those aged 30 to 44, numbering 17,449, which decreased to 16,164 by 2011 Notably, the number of residents aged over 60 has increased, as illustrated in the comparative population data from the 2001 and 2011 Censuses.

Table 9 - Population of Tamworth by age

Source – Office of National Statistics

2010 mid year estimates put the female population of Tamworth at 50.8%, remaining the same since 2001 census and similar to the West Midlands and National figures

Table 10 and Fig 4 shows the breakdown of Gender for Tamworth compared to the

West Midlands and National figures at the 2001 and 2011 Census and shows that

Tamworth is broadly the same as these

Tamworth % of total % of region West Midlands % of total National % of total Total Population 74,531 100.0% 1.4% 5,267,308 100.0% 49,138,831 100.0%

Tamworth % of total % of region West Midlands % of total National % of total Total Population 76,813 100.0% 1.4% 5,601,847 100.0% 56,012,456 100.0%

Source – Office for National Statistics

Source –CLG Specialist Advisor Toolkit

Source – Office for National Statistics

The average life expectancy in the UK is 80.75 years, with women living longer than men Specifically, men have an average life expectancy of 78.6 years, while women enjoy an average of 82.6 years.

For men in the West Midlands this figure is 77.9 and for women it is 82.2 years

In Staffordshire life expectancy for men is 78.4 and for women 82.5 years and in Tamworth the life expectancy for men is 78.7 and women 82.6 years.

Evidence 39

Demographics 41

The 2011 Census puts the total population of Tamworth at 76,813 compared to 74,531 at the 2001 census, equating to a 3% increase in the population of the town.

Tamworth is the smallest borough in Staffordshire, with population projections indicating a potential increase of 14% by 2035 According to Figure 1, the population of Tamworth is expected to show a steady rise until 2033.

Fig 3 – Population Projections for Tamworth to 2033

Tamworth's population remains relatively young, although there has been a decline in the percentage of residents under 45, dropping from 64% in the 2001 Census to 58.8% in 2011 The most significant age group in 2001 was individuals aged 30 to 44, numbering 17,449, which still holds the largest share in 2011, albeit reduced to 16,164 Notably, there has been an increase in the number of residents aged over 60, as highlighted in Table 9, which compares age demographics from the 2001 and 2011 Censuses.

Table 9 - Population of Tamworth by age

Source – Office of National Statistics

2010 mid year estimates put the female population of Tamworth at 50.8%, remaining the same since 2001 census and similar to the West Midlands and National figures

Table 10 and Fig 4 shows the breakdown of Gender for Tamworth compared to the

West Midlands and National figures at the 2001 and 2011 Census and shows that

Tamworth is broadly the same as these

Tamworth % of total % of region West Midlands % of total National % of total Total Population 74,531 100.0% 1.4% 5,267,308 100.0% 49,138,831 100.0%

Tamworth % of total % of region West Midlands % of total National % of total Total Population 76,813 100.0% 1.4% 5,601,847 100.0% 56,012,456 100.0%

Source – Office for National Statistics

Source –CLG Specialist Advisor Toolkit

Source – Office for National Statistics

In the UK, the average life expectancy is 80.75 years, with women living longer than men Specifically, men have an average life expectancy of 78.6 years, while women enjoy a higher average of 82.6 years.

For men in the West Midlands this figure is 77.9 and for women it is 82.2 years

In Staffordshire life expectancy for men is 78.4 and for women 82.5 years and in Tamworth the life expectancy for men is 78.7 and women 82.6 years.

Life expectancy in Tamworth varies significantly, with a six-year difference between the ward with the lowest and the ward with the highest life expectancy, highlighting disparities based on geographical location (Source: Tamworth Extended Joint Strategic Needs Assessment 2012)

The link for the eJSNA can be found here: http://www.staffordshirepartnership.org.uk/Health-and-Wellbeing-

The eJSNA is currently under review and a new one will be published in 2016

However a 2011 report compiled by Crisis entitled Homelessness: A Silent Killer highlighted the following:

“The average age of death of a homeless person is 47 years old and even lower for homeless women at just 43 …”

Therefore the life expectancy of a homeless person, is significantly lower than the national, regional and local averages

Tamworth has a lower proportion of people from minority ethnic groups compared to the national average, with only 5% of its population belonging to these groups, which is the same percentage as Staffordshire According to census data, all ethnic groups in Tamworth have seen an increase in numbers from 2001 to 2011, except for individuals of Black or Black British Caribbean and white Irish descent, whose numbers have declined.

Ethnicity Tamworth % of LA Tamworth % of LA

Chinese or other ethnic group: Chinese

Source – Office for National Statistics

Deprivation 46

The Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IoMD) are indicators that measure deprivation in an area by including 38 indicators which assess deprivation by combining 7 domains which are

• Barriers to Housing and Services

Tamworth has an average weighted deprivation score of 19.7, ranking it as the 140th most deprived district out of 326 local authorities, making it the second most deprived area in Staffordshire Changes in this score over the years 2004, 2007, and beyond are illustrated in Table 12 and Figure 5.

2010 showing deprivation worsened between 2004 and 2007 but remained the same between 2007 and 2010 New IoMD data is due to be released September 2015.

Table 12 - Index of Multiple Deprivation

Source –CLG Specialist Advisor Toolkit – 2012

Figure 5– Changes in the Index of Multiple Deprivation

Tamworth has 7 Lower Super Output Areas (LSOAs) classified among the most deprived fifth of regions in England, representing 13% of the town's total population According to Table 13, the levels of deprivation in these LSOAs have changed from 2007 to 2010.

Table 13 – How deprivation has increased

Source – Indices of Deprivation 2010 – Department for Communities and Local

Government and 2010 mid year population estimates for LSOA, Office for National Statistics

Table 13 shows that in all LSOAs deprivation has increased since 2007

Between 2007 and 2010, income deprivation among children in Tamworth has risen, while older adults have experienced a decline in deprivation levels Notably, Belgrave Ward witnessed an increase in deprivation for both demographics during this period This trend of rising deprivation in certain areas of Tamworth correlates with a decrease in life expectancy.

The 2011 Census revealed key dimensions of household deprivation, determined by four specific characteristics A household is considered deprived if it meets one or more of these criteria.

• Employment: any member of a household not a full-time student is either unemployed or long-term sick,

• Education: no person in the household has at least level 2 education and no person aged 16-18 is a fulltime student,

• Health and disability: any person in the household has general health 'bad or very bad' or has a long term health problem, and

• Housing: Household's accommodation is ether overcrowded, with an occupancy rating -1 or less, or is in a shared dwelling, or has no central heating.

A household is classified as being deprived in none, or one to four of these dimensions in any combination Table 14 shows the numbers of households classified as in deprivation.

Table 14 – Households dimensions of deprivation

Household is not deprived in any dimension

Household is deprived in 1 dimension

Household is deprived in 2 dimension s

Household is deprived in 3 dimension s

Household is deprived in 4 dimension s

What this shows is that 18,435 households in Tamworth consider themselves to be deprived in one or more dimensions (significantly more than those who do not)

Since its inception in October 2011 at the Manna House Centre on Glascote Road, the Tamworth Foodbank has delivered over 1,200 days of food assistance, supporting approximately 400 individuals and families in Tamworth facing financial difficulties.

Over 40 local agencies - charities, churches, schools and statutory bodies - have joined forces with Foodbank and are recognised as official Referral Partners of the project This means that should any of these front-line professional care agencies encounter people in crisis, they can write out a food vouchers for three days' of emergency food cover, which is then collected from the Centre

Foodbank usage in the UK has surged dramatically, with a threefold increase over the past year, reflecting national trends The Trussell Trust, which operates the Tamworth foodbank, has reported the highest number of individuals receiving emergency food since its inception in 2000, assisting nearly 350,000 people in the last year alone—almost 100,000 more than expected and close to triple the number served in 2011-12 Factors such as the rising cost of living, stagnant incomes, changes to benefits, and high levels of underemployment and unemployment have driven more individuals into crisis, forcing them to seek emergency food assistance These alarming statistics emerged even before the Welfare Reforms implemented in April.

2013 http://tamworth.foodbank.org.uk/

Rate of new household formation 50

The government forecasts future housing demand and population housing needs Current national projections indicate that significant changes are anticipated in housing requirements.

• The number of households in England is projected to grow to 24.3 million in

2021, an increase of 2.2 million (10 per cent) over 2011, or 221,000 households per year

• The projections represent a decrease in average household size from 2.36 to 2.33 in ten years

Between 2011 and 2021, couple households, whether they include additional adults or not, are expected to increase by approximately 87,000 annually, representing 40% of the overall growth in households during this period.

• Two thirds (67 per cent) of the increase in households between 2011 and

2021 is projected for households without any dependent children

• The increase in the number of households headed by the younger age groups is projected to be relatively lower than the increase in households headed by older people

(source:https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_dat a/file/190229/Stats_Release_2011FINALDRAFTv3.pdf)

10.4.1 Migration into and from the Borough

Since 1998/99, Tamworth has experienced a steady trend of net outward migration, reaching its highest point in 2003/04 when 3,300 residents left the Borough, while only 2,700 newcomers arrived.

Generally therefore population growth since 1999 in Tamworth has therefore been driven in Tamworth by natural change (the balance between births and deaths)

Supply of housing and affordability 51

As of the 2011 census, Tamworth is home to 31,617 households, comprising a diverse range of tenures, including properties owned by the Tamworth Borough Council, housing managed by Registered Providers, private rentals, and owner-occupied residences.

Tamworth Borough Council, as a stock-retaining authority, manages 4,482 properties within the Borough, representing 14.2% of the total housing stock, according to data from the 2011 Census and the Orchard Housing System analysis.

As of October 2015, there were 1,674 households awaiting housing assistance Table 15 illustrates the total Council Stock categorized by property type, detailing the number of each type that has become available for let annually since 2010.

Table 15 – Current housing stock totals and numbers for rent each year

*number increased as 1 property brought back into stock.

Since April 2011, the number of rental properties has consistently remained below 300 per year, totaling only 797 available rentals from April 2011 to April 2014 Additionally, there is a significant shortage of one-bedroom properties, with only 52 available in the borough, resulting in low chances for those on the waiting list to secure such accommodations.

Table 16 – Numbers on waiting list by property type as of December 2012, August

Bedrooms December 2012 August 2013 Changes in demand

1 Bed 873 (50% of list) 1,122 (59% of list)

Numbers on the waiting list have risen and fallen over the 3 year period Demand for

Currently, 60% of the demand for properties is for one-bedroom units, likely influenced by the welfare reform's under-occupancy charge In contrast, larger properties remain the least sought after in the market.

Since 2013, the number of individuals on the waiting list for housing has decreased, likely due to several factors such as the new allocations policy and the implementation of the under-occupancy charge Tenants who under-occupy by one bedroom face a 14% reduction in their housing benefit, while those with two spare bedrooms see a 25% cut As a result, there has been a growing demand for smaller properties as tenants seek to relocate to more suitable living arrangements.

Table 17 – numbers on waiting list by month in 2013 and 2014

Month 2013 2014 Percentage difference between years

From February to November 2013, the waiting list numbers decreased, but they have started to rise again, although they remain lower than early 2013 levels By December 2014, the waiting list saw a nearly 10% reduction compared to December of the previous year.

10.5.3 Registered Providers in the Borough

There are a number of Registered Providers in the Borough responsible for 5.1%

(1626) properties The main providers are:

Introduced in April 2011, the Affordable Rent Model allows Registered Providers to offer shorter-term tenancies at rents that are higher than social rent, typically reaching up to 80% of the local market rate.

Registered Providers can generate extra rental income, which will aid in the creation of new affordable homes, especially in light of the reduced government funding for developing social housing.

Current tenants of Registered Providers benefit from social rents, but when a tenant vacates a property, it can be switched to an affordable rent Additionally, all new developments will be subject to affordable rent pricing.

Tamworth Borough Council's Tenancy Strategy emphasizes the importance of engaging in meaningful discussions with Registered Providers regarding property conversions In the first two quarters of 2013/14, Bromford Housing converted three social rent properties to affordable rents, while Midland Heart converted five However, these conversions are associated with fixed-term tenancies, which raises concerns about potential homelessness when the five-year term ends, particularly if tenants' circumstances change.

In the Borough, 14% of residents cannot afford current social rents, while the implementation of affordable rents allows 49% to manage social rents but not 80% of market rents Furthermore, 63% of households in need would struggle to pay 80% market rents without financial assistance.

Table 18 highlights the differences in rent levels between social rents and 80% market rents in Tamworth, revealing that affordable rents consistently exceed social rents, particularly for larger properties Additionally, Table 19 provides an overview of the current Local Housing Allowance Rates applicable in Tamworth.

Table 18 – Affordable and Social Rents comparison in Tamworth

(Source Southern Staffordshire Districts Housing Needs Study and SHMA update 2012)

Table 19 – Local Housing Allowance Rates for Tamworth 2015-16

Type of accommodation Weekly 4 Weekly Monthly

Source: Tamworth Borough Council website

In all instances if someone were on benefits they would not be able to afford the additional costs with affordable rent

According to the 2011 census, 11% of homes in the Borough, totaling 3,476 properties, are privately rented Notably, 25.1% of these households reside in unsuitable (non-decent) private rented accommodation, which is lower than the national average for non-decent properties.

Decency in housing is defined by its adherence to standards above the legal minimum, including being in a reasonable state of repair, equipped with modern facilities like kitchens and bathrooms, and offering a suitable level of thermal comfort through effective insulation and efficient heating It's important to note that a property may be labeled as non-decent if, for instance, the central heating system is malfunctioning, even if the structure is otherwise sound; however, such properties can often be restored to a decent standard with necessary repairs.

10.5.6 Affordability of Private Rented Homes

Wider supply of housing 59

As of April 2015, Tamworth has 264 long-term empty homes, with six of these properties being unoccupied for over six months The Council provides guidance and support to homeowners to help reintegrate these properties into the housing market, and may consider enforcement actions as a last resort.

The Council provides grants of up to £10,000 to homeowners for revitalizing empty properties, securing three-year nomination rights in exchange To date, the Council has awarded two grants aimed at reintegrating vacant homes into the housing market.

Tamworth Borough Council partnered with Waterloo Housing to secure a portion of the Homes and Communities Agency's £100 million fund aimed at revitalizing empty homes Through this collaboration, the Council identified vacant properties, allowing owners to sign a six-year lease with Waterloo, which then renovated and managed the homes while granting the Council full nomination rights This initiative successfully brought seven properties back into use; however, with the conclusion of the Waterloo Empty Homes Scheme, the Council is now reassessing its strategy for addressing empty homes.

Tamworth Borough Council, in collaboration with Waterloo Housing, has transformed several underutilized council-owned garage sites into affordable housing This initiative is part of a broader redevelopment program aimed at revitalizing areas that have historically faced challenges such as low demand and anti-social behavior The project has successfully delivered 22 new affordable homes, comprising 18 rental units and 4 shared ownership properties, across five locations within the borough.

Recent developments have been supported through a collaboration with Waterloo Housing Group and a £620,000 grant from the Homes and Communities Agency The second set of sites is nearing completion, while plans for a third tranche are currently under review.

In 2012, Tamworth Borough Council initiated a £21 million regeneration program to revitalize the Tinkers Green and Kerria areas, which faced challenges due to outdated housing and difficulties in letting council-owned properties The council is currently assisting residents in relocating to alternative accommodations as part of a decant process Following the evacuation of these properties, they will be demolished to pave the way for new council homes Ongoing consultations with neighbors and current tenants aim to ensure that the new developments effectively address local housing needs.

Properties are available for Shared ownership within the borough Seen as a “foot on the housing ladder” shared ownership can offer a chance to own a property but at a reduced cost

Property ownership allows individuals to buy a share ranging from 25% to 75% For the portion they do not own, they pay rent to the registered provider while also managing a mortgage on their owned share Alternatively, if financially feasible, they can opt to purchase their share outright.

Owners do have the option to purchase the remaining shares in their property a piece at a time, this is known as staircasing, but are not obliged to do this

Currently in Tamworth there are 158 shared ownership properties offered by Waterloo, Bromford and Midland Heart

Help to Buy Midlands is a government-backed initiative aimed at making homeownership more affordable, offering various schemes tailored to individual needs The program processes equity loan applications on behalf of the government, with a focus on supporting social housing tenants and army personnel In Tamworth, several building projects incorporate Help to Buy options, and the Tamworth Borough Council actively promotes the scheme through events, social media, and digital displays For more details, visit the Help to Buy website at www.helptobuymidlands.co.uk.

Help to Buy Case Study

At a time when the average age of first-time homebuyers is 37, Danny Thomas, 22, and office administrator Elizabeth Leedham, 20, believed it would take them years to enter the property market.

Trainee accountants Danny and Elizabeth, residing with their parents in Tamworth, Staffordshire, aspired to settle down together However, they quickly realized that purchasing a home was out of reach due to the substantial deposit required Danny expressed their reluctance to rent, fearing it would trap them in a cycle of high rental payments that hindered their ability to save for a future home.

So the couple were delighted when they heard about the Help to Buy equity loan scheme Keen to find out more they visited the Morris Homes development in Wilnecote

Danny shares that the process was incredibly straightforward, with continuous support from both the developer and an independent financial advisor They coordinated with Orbit Help to Buy Agents, who promptly evaluated their application Within days, they learned that the equity loan was a viable option for them, making the entire experience stress-free.

In just two months, the couple settled into their new three-bedroom home, crediting the Help to Buy scheme for making their dream a reality Danny expressed, “The Help to Buy scheme has been brilliant for us; without it, we would have had to wait for years to get a foot on the property ladder We had both thought that buying a home like this was way out of our reach, and we feel really proud of what we’ve achieved at our age.”

Source: www.helptobuymidlands.co.uk

Earnings and Employment 62

In Tamworth, the average gross weekly pay for full-time workers is £453.70, which is below both the West Midlands average of £480.60 and the national average of £520.00 Male workers in Tamworth earn an average of £508.90 weekly, also falling short of the West Midlands average (£518.89) and the national average (£561.50) In stark contrast, female workers in the borough have an average gross wage of £381.90, significantly lower than the West Midlands average of £421.00 and the national average of £463.00.

The average household income in Tamworth is £36,800, falling short of the Great Britain average of £40,000 Notably, approximately one-third of households in Tamworth earn less than £20,000 annually.

In Tamworth, 30.9% of households in the private sector earn less than £15,000, which is significantly higher than the national average of 25.1%, according to the Tamworth Borough Council's Private Sector Stock Condition Survey 2010.

According to the 2013/14 annual population survey, the employment rate for individuals aged 16-64 in Tamworth was 72%, matching the national average for England As of February 2015, Tamworth's unemployment rate stood at 0.7%, significantly lower than the 2% average for England, with approximately 370 claimants.

Tamworth boasts a working-age population of 69.8%, with 76.6% actively participating in the labor market Only 0.7% of residents are claiming Jobseeker's Allowance, while 2,990 individuals receive Employment and Support Allowance and incapacity benefits The employment rate stands at 69.8%, with an unemployment rate of 4.7% and 23.3% of the population classified as economically inactive.

% aged 16-64 who are self employed 5.6% 12.5% +6.9%

% who are economically inactive - aged 16-64 24.5% 23.3% 1.2%

% of economically inactive who want a job 31.4% unavailable -10%

% of economically inactive who do not want a job 68.6% 78.3% -9.7%

Source: NOMIS – Annual Population Survey

Managing Council Rent Arrears 64

Tamworth Borough Council is committed to facilitating timely rent payments and managing rent arrears to alleviate housing debt for its tenants The council prioritizes support for tenants facing financial difficulties, ensuring they receive assistance in meeting their rent obligations While evictions may occur, the council strives to provide every possible opportunity for tenants to pay their rent and settle their arrears before taking such measures.

The Tamworth Borough Council website outlines the following steps for tenants who may have rent arrears:

Tamworth Borough Council evicted 22 households n 2014, this was the same as in

2013 The rate of evictions may increase in 2015 due to the role out of universal credit, and the continuing of cuts to benefits and services under austerity measures

The income team oversees the eviction process for council tenants, while the Housing Solutions team assists families facing eviction from private rentals or home ownership It's important to note that the mortgage rescue scheme previously available to help homeowners at risk of eviction has now concluded.

In the 2014/15 period, Tamworth Borough Council evicted 22 households, matching the total from the previous year With the introduction of universal credit, which shifts the responsibility of rent payments from the council to tenants, and ongoing reductions in benefits and services, an increase in eviction rates is anticipated.

Stage 1: Missed rent payments/paying less than you should; we will contact you If you do not pay your arrears or they increase, we will contact you again.

Stage 2: If these remain unpaid, you will receive notice informing you we intend to take you to court; a Notice of Seeking Possession or a Notice to Quit.

Stage 3: At any time between four weeks and one year after sending a Notice Of

Seeking Possession or a Notice To Quit, we can issue a court summons

Stage 4: Application to the courts Usually you can stay in your home, if you pay off arrears at an appropriate rate You will be liable for all court costs.

Stage 5: If you do not keep to the Court Order arrangements, we will apply for a warrant to evict you This is a last resort

Stage 6: The bailiffs will call to evict you If you are evicted you are likely to be deemed 'intentionally homeless' This means that you may not be re-housed by us and are likely to have difficulty finding somewhere else to live.

10.9 Analysis of impact of welfare reforms

Unfortunately no local data is available regarding the impact of the welfare reforms, how many people have been sanctioned, and of those how many are repetitively sanctioned.

The government claim that since the Welfare reforms only 0.00057% of people have received a full 3 year sanction and that 70% of claimants who have been sanctioned go on in to employment

(source: http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/feb/04/benefit-sanctions-work- jobs-effective-employment-esther-mcvey)

The government has conducted an independent review of Job Seeker Allowance sanctions affecting claimants in the work programme, revealing that in 2013, there were 1,015,000 referrals for potential sanctions across the benefit system, with 291,000 claimants ultimately facing sanctions For those participating in the work programme, data for other groups remains inaccessible; however, the review indicated that 33% of initial sanctions were subject to review, and between 43% to 53% of sanction decisions were overturned, depending on the specific work programme.

The full report is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/335144 /jsa-sanctions-independent-review.pdf

Between October 1 and December 31, 2014, local authorities in England accepted 13,650 households, reflecting a 6 percent increase from the same quarter the previous year Additionally, the total number of acceptances for the fourth quarter of 2014 reached 13,690, indicating a continued upward trend.

In England, the number of acceptances has experienced significant fluctuations since 1998, peaking at 135,590 in 2003 before declining to a low of 41,780 The most recent seasonally-adjusted figure stands at 13,540, reflecting a decrease of 1 percent from the previous quarter.

2009 In 2014 the annual number of acceptances was 53,250, 61 per cent below the peak of 135,590 in 2003, and 27 per cent higher than the low of 41,780 five years before.

Figure 6 – National levels of homelessness

(Source CLG Statutory Homelessness October to December Housing Statistical Release)

Table 22 – Homeless Applications by year

Since 2010, homeless applications have gradually risen, with a minor decline in 2013, but a significant 61% increase occurred in Tamworth in 2014, reflecting a similar trend in the number of individuals accepted as homeless.

In 2014 83 households were accepted as homeless and in priority need

A number of different personal and social factors can contribute towards people becoming homeless These may include one or more of the following:

Various individual factors contribute to personal challenges, such as substance abuse, insufficient qualifications, and inadequate social support Financial difficulties, particularly mortgage or rent arrears stemming from job loss or reduced working hours, can exacerbate these issues Additionally, poor physical and mental health, relationship breakdowns, and early involvement in criminal activities further complicate an individual's circumstances.

• Family background including family breakdown and disputes, sexual and physical abuse in childhood or adolescence, having parents with drug or alcohol problems, and previous experience of family homelessness

• An institutional background including having been in care, the armed forces, or in prison.

• Structural factors including a lack of affordable housing, housing policies, wider policy initiatives such as the welfare benefit reforms

Nationally the main reason given for the cause of homelessness loss of an Assured

Shorthold Tenancy and relatives and friends no longer wiling to accommodate All reasons nationally are shown in Table 22.

Table 23 – Households accepted by the Local Authority as being owed a main homelessness duty by reason for loss of the last settled home – National

Reason for Homelessness January to

Relatives/Friends no longer willing to accommodate – Parents

Relatives/Friends no longer willing to accommodate – other

Relationship Breakdown with partner – Violent 1480 1640 1720 1690

Relationship Breakdown with partner – Other 660

Mortgage arrears (Repossession or other loss of home)

Ending of an Assured Shorthold Tenancy 3340 3950 4000 4060

Loss of other rented or tied housing 710 720 820 780

Source CLG Quarterly P1 (E) returns – Statutory Homelessness: Households accepted by Local Authorities owed a main homelessness duty by reason of loss of last settled home

Table 23 highlights the primary causes of homelessness in Tamworth, aligning with national trends The leading factors include parental or friend/relative evictions and the loss of Assured Shorthold Tenancies Additionally, relationship breakdowns, often stemming from domestic abuse, significantly contribute to the issue.

Table 24 - Reasons for homelessness in Tamworth

Violence involving other non associated person

Local Authority or other public sector

Other reasons for loss of rented or tied accommodation

Required to leave accommodation provided by the

Home Office as a form of asylum support

Left other institution or LA care

Source – P1e returns to the Department for Communities and Local Government

Local authorities are required to provide housing advice to individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness Certain households, due to their age or background, have a priority need for accommodation as they face a higher risk when experiencing homelessness.

Table 25 – Priority need reasons - Nationally 2014

Jan – Mar 14 Apr – Jun 14 Jul – Sep 14 Oct- Dec 14

Pregnant no other dependent child

16/17 year olds and formally in care and aged between 18-

Fled home because of violence or threat of violence

Other (includes those released from custody, HM

Forces, and fleeing home due to violence other than

Source CLG Quarterly P1 (E) returns – Statutory Homelessness: Households accepted by Local Authorities owed a main homelessness duty by Priority Need category

Tamworth aligns with the national trend regarding priority needs, where the primary reason is individuals with dependent children, followed closely by pregnant individuals without other children This is illustrated in Table 25.

Table 26 - Priority Need reasons in Tamworth

Jan-Mar 14 Apr – Jun 14 Jul – Sep14 Oct- Dec 14

Pregnant no other dependent child

Formally in care and aged between 18-20

Vulnerable because having been in care

Having been in custody or on remand

Fled home because of violence or threat of violence

Source – P1e returns to the Department for Communities and Local Government

10.10.3 Prevention and Tamworth Borough Councils prevention tools

Tamworth Borough Council prioritizes homelessness prevention, evidenced by a decline in both the number of prevented homelessness cases and the overall applications and acceptances for homelessness support.

Table 27 - Homelessness Preventions - Tamworth Borough Council

The Hospital to Home project received a referral from a health visitor regarding a family facing overcrowding and safety issues in their home, including a malfunctioning back door and the absence of a stair banister The mother, A, expressed concerns for her son's safety The family lived in a privately rented property owned by A's mother-in-law, who was hesitant to report the issues to the private sector housing team due to fears of eviction, as she rented from a friend A was also reluctant to declare herself homeless.

A's partner, employed full-time under a zero hours contract, consistently earned a reliable income sufficient to cover private rent However, they faced challenges in affording the necessary deposit.

From the Homeless Prevention Grant Tamworth Borough Council funded the cost of the deposit A’s family moved in to a private rented property.

Homelessness 65

Between October 1 and December 31, 2014, local authorities in England accepted 13,650 households, reflecting a 6 percent increase compared to the same period in the previous year The total number of acceptances for the fourth quarter of 2014 reached 13,690, indicating a continued upward trend in housing support.

In the previous quarter, there was a seasonally-adjusted figure of 13,540 acceptances, reflecting a 1 percent change Since 1998, the number of acceptances in England has seen significant fluctuations, peaking at 135,590 in 2003 before declining to a low of 41,780.

2009 In 2014 the annual number of acceptances was 53,250, 61 per cent below the peak of 135,590 in 2003, and 27 per cent higher than the low of 41,780 five years before.

Figure 6 – National levels of homelessness

(Source CLG Statutory Homelessness October to December Housing Statistical Release)

Table 22 – Homeless Applications by year

Since 2010, homeless applications in Tamworth have steadily increased, experiencing a minor decline in 2013 Notably, 2014 marked a significant 61% surge in applications, which aligns with the rise in the number of individuals recognized as homeless.

In 2014 83 households were accepted as homeless and in priority need

A number of different personal and social factors can contribute towards people becoming homeless These may include one or more of the following:

Individual factors contributing to personal challenges include substance misuse, insufficient qualifications, limited social support, and financial difficulties such as mortgage or rent arrears, often resulting from job loss or reduced working hours Additionally, poor physical and mental health, relationship breakdowns, and early involvement in criminal activities further exacerbate these issues.

• Family background including family breakdown and disputes, sexual and physical abuse in childhood or adolescence, having parents with drug or alcohol problems, and previous experience of family homelessness

• An institutional background including having been in care, the armed forces, or in prison.

• Structural factors including a lack of affordable housing, housing policies, wider policy initiatives such as the welfare benefit reforms

Nationally the main reason given for the cause of homelessness loss of an Assured

Shorthold Tenancy and relatives and friends no longer wiling to accommodate All reasons nationally are shown in Table 22.

Table 23 – Households accepted by the Local Authority as being owed a main homelessness duty by reason for loss of the last settled home – National

Reason for Homelessness January to

Relatives/Friends no longer willing to accommodate – Parents

Relatives/Friends no longer willing to accommodate – other

Relationship Breakdown with partner – Violent 1480 1640 1720 1690

Relationship Breakdown with partner – Other 660

Mortgage arrears (Repossession or other loss of home)

Ending of an Assured Shorthold Tenancy 3340 3950 4000 4060

Loss of other rented or tied housing 710 720 820 780

Source CLG Quarterly P1 (E) returns – Statutory Homelessness: Households accepted by Local Authorities owed a main homelessness duty by reason of loss of last settled home

Table 23 highlights the primary causes of homelessness in Tamworth, aligning with national trends The leading factors include parental or friend/relative evictions and the loss of Assured Short Hold Tenancies Additionally, relationship breakdowns, often stemming from domestic abuse, significantly contribute to the issue.

Table 24 - Reasons for homelessness in Tamworth

Violence involving other non associated person

Local Authority or other public sector

Other reasons for loss of rented or tied accommodation

Required to leave accommodation provided by the

Home Office as a form of asylum support

Left other institution or LA care

Source – P1e returns to the Department for Communities and Local Government

Local authorities are required to provide housing advice to individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness Certain households, due to their age or background, have a priority need for accommodation as they face a higher risk when experiencing homelessness.

Table 25 – Priority need reasons - Nationally 2014

Jan – Mar 14 Apr – Jun 14 Jul – Sep 14 Oct- Dec 14

Pregnant no other dependent child

16/17 year olds and formally in care and aged between 18-

Fled home because of violence or threat of violence

Other (includes those released from custody, HM

Forces, and fleeing home due to violence other than

Source CLG Quarterly P1 (E) returns – Statutory Homelessness: Households accepted by Local Authorities owed a main homelessness duty by Priority Need category

Tamworth aligns with the national trend regarding priority needs, primarily driven by individuals with dependent children, followed by pregnant individuals without other children This information is illustrated in Table 25.

Table 26 - Priority Need reasons in Tamworth

Jan-Mar 14 Apr – Jun 14 Jul – Sep14 Oct- Dec 14

Pregnant no other dependent child

Formally in care and aged between 18-20

Vulnerable because having been in care

Having been in custody or on remand

Fled home because of violence or threat of violence

Source – P1e returns to the Department for Communities and Local Government

10.10.3 Prevention and Tamworth Borough Councils prevention tools

Tamworth Borough Council prioritizes homelessness prevention, evidenced by a decline in both the number of homelessness cases prevented and the overall applications and acceptances for homelessness assistance.

Table 27 - Homelessness Preventions - Tamworth Borough Council

The Hospital to Home project received a referral from a health visitor regarding a family living in overcrowded conditions with safety concerns, including a malfunctioning back door and the absence of a stair banister The mother, A, expressed her worries about her son's safety, while the privately rented home, owned by A's mother-in-law, presented additional challenges A's mother-in-law hesitated to report the safety issues to the private sector housing team due to fears of eviction, as she rented from a friend, leaving A reluctant to declare herself homeless.

A’s partner was employed full time under a zero hours contract and consistently earned a regular income sufficient to cover private rental costs; however, they faced challenges in affording the upfront deposit.

From the Homeless Prevention Grant Tamworth Borough Council funded the cost of the deposit A’s family moved in to a private rented property.

The Mortgage Rescue Scheme aims to assist vulnerable homeowners facing repossession, helping them stay in their homes With nearly £200 million allocated from the Homes and Communities Agency's Affordable Homes Programme, Registered Providers are also investing their own resources, supported by rent or equity loan charges.

Around 150 partner providers collaborated with 19 Mortgage Rescue Lead Providers to implement Mortgage Rescue services throughout England, excluding London, where the Greater London Authority managed the program.

The Mortgage Rescue Scheme provides two key options for struggling households: the Mortgage to Rent program, which allows families to become tenants of the provider, and the Equity Loan option, enabling them to maintain partial ownership of their home.

Under this scheme, a Registered Provider purchases the property and typically offers it to the household through a 3-year Assured Shorthold Tenancy, with rent set at a maximum of 80% of the market rate Additionally, Local Authorities and ALMOs have the option to manage Mortgage Rescue Properties.

The household's secured debt was made more manageable through an equity loan from a registered provider, which lowered monthly mortgage payments This equity loan, secured as a second charge, carries an interest rate of 1.75% per annum, set to increase by RPI plus 0.5% annually.

In Tamworth for the period 2011 – 2014 there were 20 mortgage rescues completed. Table 27 shows this and where Tamworth sits in the HCA Midlands region.

Table 28 – Mortgage Rescues across the Midlands Region

(Source: http://cfg.homesandcommunities.co.uk/mortgage_rescue_guidance)

Nationally the number and proportion of mortgages ending in repossession was lower in 2013 than in any year since 2007, according to data from the Council of Mortgage Lenders.

At 28,900, the number of repossessions nationally in 2013 represented 0.26% of outstanding mortgages, compared with 33,900 repossessions and a rate of 0.30% in 2012.

Repossessions have been falling steadily since their most recent peak in 2009 of 48,900 (0.43%).

Temporary Accommodation 84

During 2014 the numbers of households in Temporary Accommodation nationally was steadily rising from 58,410 in the first quarter rising to 61,970 by December

Tamworth Borough Council will provide Temporary Accommodation for a homeless person whilst they make enquires into the homelessness application

This happens when the Council believes someone is:

• homeless or threatened with homelessness

The council has to provide temporary accommodation if all these apply, even if it suspects that the household may be homeless intentionally.

Tamworth Borough Council operates a private sector leasing scheme where it leases properties from landlords and uses these as temporary accommodation or utilises bed and breakfast (B&B)

Table 28 shows the number of households in Temporary Accommodation and the % change each year since 2012 compared to the West Midlands and National Figures.

Table 29 – Households in Temporary Accommodation

Source CLG specialist Advisor Toolkit

In the last quarter from October to December 2014 there were 22 households in Temporary Accommodation in Tamworth The use of B&B reduced gradually to 0 in

Since 2011, the number of households in Temporary Accommodation has been on the rise, particularly after a notable increase in early 2012 By the last three quarters of 2014, the figures grew from 14 to 22 households According to Table 29, the data indicates that households in Bed and Breakfast (B&B) accommodations typically stay for less than six weeks, aligning with Government guidelines As of the end of October, Tamworth Borough Council reported 10 individuals residing in B&B accommodations and 4 in Private Sector Leased (PSL) properties.

Table 30 - Households placed in Bed and Breakfast

% of region West Midlands National

Table 31 – Households in Bed and Breakfast and time spent there

There is a variety temporary accommodation within and outside the borough

Families and individuals facing homelessness may receive temporary accommodation either within the borough or in nearby areas like Birmingham or Walsall For those with low or no priority need, hostel accommodations are available Additionally, the council's Private Sector Leasing (PSL) scheme provides temporary private rented housing for families in need.

(January 2015) states inline with Gold standard commitments that the agreed preference criteria is as follows:

5 Length of time in Temporary Accommodation

The recent approval to expand the PSL scheme from 5 to 10 properties aims to decrease the reliance on bed and breakfast accommodations for households The council is conducting a comprehensive review of temporary housing to explore more effective utilization strategies.

> 5 Years 0 0 0 0 the council value for money, ensure standards and provide safe secure accommodation.

Needs of Identified Groups 87

Complex needs refer to individuals who have intertwined medical and social requirements, such as diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, housing, social care, and independent living These individuals often need extensive support to manage their daily lives but can achieve independence with appropriate health and social care services tailored to their unique situations.

Homeless individuals with complex needs often engage inconsistently with services, highlighting the necessity for fully integrated care as emphasized in the government's strategy, ‘No health without mental health.’ This strategy underlines the importance of improving service commissioning for this vulnerable group Furthermore, the initiative Making Every Contact Count recognizes that homelessness extends beyond mere housing concerns, advocating for a collaborative approach to early identification and prevention of homelessness.

Individuals with Complex Needs often resort to expensive emergency services when not adequately engaged, leading to a reliance on reactive care Research by Homeless Link highlights that 55% of those with dual needs, including mental health and substance abuse issues, visited A&E at least once in the past six months, with many making multiple visits Although they represent a small segment of the population, those with Complex Needs frequently access crisis services, underscoring the necessity for proactive support and intervention.

Rough sleepers in Tamworth, though few in number, represent one of society's most vulnerable groups, often facing complex needs The government's focus on this issue, highlighted by initiatives like No Second Night Out, underscores the importance of addressing the various challenges these individuals encounter Living on the streets or in unstable housing exacerbates their already diverse range of problems and support requirements.

Each year, local authorities conduct rough sleeping counts and estimates to provide a one-night snapshot of individuals sleeping rough in their areas These authorities decide whether to perform a count or an estimate and are encouraged to gather information from local agencies, including outreach workers, police, the voluntary sector, and community members who interact with rough sleepers.

In November 2014, Tamworth conducted its final Rough Sleeper estimate in collaboration with Lichfield District Council and key partners, revealing that only 2 individuals were sleeping rough in the area Despite a national rise in rough sleeping, the number of rough sleepers in Tamworth has remained consistently static over the past four years.

Table 32 – Numbers of Rough Sleepers in Tamworth compared to the region and nationally

Tamworth % of region West Midlands National

Source: CLG Specialist Advisor Toolkit

The Government Report No Second Night Out outlines the commitment to address homelessness among single individuals not classified as being in priority need, particularly those experiencing rough sleeping The initiative seeks to provide a prompt and effective response when individuals face a crisis and find themselves on the streets The ultimate goal is to eliminate all forms of rough sleeping, ensuring that anyone who becomes a rough sleeper for one night does not have to endure a second night outdoors Initially piloted in London, this program has now expanded nationwide to expedite the process of moving rough sleepers off the streets.

10.12.3 No Second Night Out in Tamworth

Tamworth Borough Council as a local authority participates in the West Midlands Regional Homelessness Forum and has signed up to a region wide commitment to

No Second Night out – which sets out the Councils commitment to the principles of

No Second Night Out and identifies what the Councils offer is in relation to this, and how the Council has modified its existing services for No second Night Out

Tamworth has implemented key services aimed at ending rough sleeping, ensuring that individuals do not have to spend even a second night on the streets.

Tamworth Borough Council offers a centralized reporting system for Rough Sleepers, allowing the community to report sightings through various channels such as Street Link and local faith groups All reports are directed to the Housing Solutions Team, which collaborates with Brighter Futures to provide outreach services This partnership ensures that Rough Sleepers receive essential support and access to accommodation services in the borough.

Brighter Futures offers an Outreach Service as a Sub Regional initiative aligned with the Government's No Second Night Out Agenda, supported by funding from the Shropshire and Staffordshire Housing Partnership and the Homeless Transition Fund until 2016.

Tamworth Borough Council collaborates with Lichfield District Council to conduct the Rough Sleeper count, recognizing the tendency of rough sleepers to move between the two areas in search of various services This partnership is informed by both historical and anecdotal evidence To ensure coordination among local authorities, Homeless Link typically organizes the regional count dates, keeping all involved parties informed of each other's activities.

Local authorities provide emergency cold weather provisions to support vulnerable individuals during harsh weather conditions While there is no central coordination for these services, local authorities communicate with partners to ensure that those in need are informed about available accommodations.

Tamworth Borough Council currently lacks personalized solutions and individual budgets for rough sleepers However, the Brighter Futures Outreach team has the ability to secure funding for tailored budgets to support these individuals.

The West Midlands regional homeless forum is finalizing a reconnection protocol that will require local authority participation This protocol is crucial for placing individuals in emergency hostel accommodations outside their area, ensuring they return to their original locations to access the necessary housing and support services.

Research on rough sleeping has predominantly focused on men, overlooking the distinct needs of female rough sleepers Current government legislation lacks specific references to women in this context, leading to ambiguity about the scale of the issue Additionally, initiatives aimed at addressing rough sleeping often do not cater to women, and there is a significant gap in training tailored to support female rough sleepers.

The health of homeless people 103

Homeless individuals face significant barriers to accessing health services, despite having some of the highest health needs Many of their health issues remain undiagnosed or untreated, which complicates their ability to achieve stable housing and secure employment Addressing these health disparities is crucial for improving their overall well-being and life outcomes.

The 2012 report "Homelessness: A Silent Killer" by Crisis highlights that the life expectancy of homeless individuals is considerably lower than both national and local averages Additionally, the report identifies various trends prevalent within the homeless population.

• Drug and alcohol abuse are amongst the most common causes of death

• A Homeless person is 9 times as likely to commit suicide

• Road Traffic Accidents are 3 times more likely

In addition a report from the Department of Health called Healthcare for Single Homeless people identifies that:

Rough sleepers face significantly higher health risks, with rates of chronic chest and breathing problems being three times more prevalent than in the general population Additionally, the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) among this vulnerable group is alarming, occurring at a rate 200 times greater than that of the general public.

Commitment 2: Helping people to access healthcare

• Support Health and Wellbeing Boards to ensure that the needs of vulnerable groups are better reflected in Joint Strategic Needs Assessments

• highlight the role of specialist services in treating homeless people, including those with a dual diagnosis of co-existing mental health and drug and alcohol problems

Homelessness Strategy Review and Evidence Base 103

Collaborating with the National Inclusion Health Board, the NHS, and local government, we aim to enhance the integration of homeless individuals' needs into health service commissioning This partnership seeks to identify additional measures necessary to ensure that health services effectively address the unique challenges faced by the homeless population.

Homeless individuals experience some of the worst health outcomes, with approximately 84% of rough sleepers facing at least one physical health issue and 87% suffering from mental health problems, according to the Homeless Link Manifesto to End Homelessness Their disconnection from health services often leads to treatment only during crises, resulting in manageable conditions escalating into severe health issues due to their living circumstances Consequently, homeless people are four times more likely to seek emergency medical care compared to the general population.

Approximately 45% of homeless individuals have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, while 39% are in recovery from drug addiction and 27% from alcohol dependence Notably, half of the homeless population reported using drugs as a coping mechanism for their mental health issues, and two-thirds admitted to consuming alcohol in excess of the recommended limits.

What is the evidence telling us? 105

The UK is currently experiencing unprecedented changes that require all sectors to adapt, as austerity measures are set to persist.

Local authorities must evaluate their budget allocations and collaborate with various agencies and organizations to provide a streamlined, efficient service while avoiding resource duplication.

Changes to benefit systems and the reduction of funding for essential services are expected to adversely affect the most vulnerable populations The rise in benefit sanctions complicates the ability of those in chaotic situations to keep up with their payments Additionally, with the rollout of Universal Credit, individuals will need to manage larger sums of money than ever before, potentially leading to increased rent arrears This financial strain may result in a higher incidence of evictions and homelessness.

Tamworth Borough Council, in collaboration with registered providers, aims to create a clear pathway for tenants facing changes in family dynamics or those who can now afford private rentals or home ownership To facilitate this transition, registered providers could offer incentives for tenants to pursue shared ownership or affordable rental options It is essential to establish a structured system within a reasonable timeframe to adequately prepare current residents for their housing changes.

Tamworth Borough Council is in the process of creating a policy aimed at effectively engaging with the private rented sector (PRS) to fulfill its responsibilities This policy will outline the Council's strategies for utilizing the PRS, which is crucial for preventing homelessness in the community.

As the older population in Tamworth increases, the housing stock may face significant challenges, prompting the Tamworth Borough Council to develop an ageing well strategy that addresses the specific needs of older residents Additionally, potential cuts to supported housing could lead to higher rents for tenants, further complicating the situation There is also a critical shortage of extra care schemes for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s, indicating a pressing need for additional support services for this vulnerable demographic.

Homelessness Strategy Review and Evidence Base 105

In Tamworth, 14% of residents live in the most deprived fifth of areas in England, a figure that may rise due to welfare reforms such as the bedroom tax and stricter benefit sanctions, potentially exacerbating homelessness in the borough.

Tamworth exhibits a significant pay gap, with men earning substantially more than women throughout the borough Despite a decrease in unemployment, average earnings remain low, leading to many residents struggling with low incomes Coupled with high housing prices due to the borough's size, home ownership becomes challenging for those with limited earnings Consequently, there is a heightened demand for social housing, which is the most affordable option, as well as for the private rented sector, which, while less affordable, offers greater accessibility for young families and individuals seeking independent living.

Evidence indicates that homeownership, private renting, and affordable rents are increasingly out of reach for many, making social rent the only viable option and heightening demand for dwindling council stock due to the right to buy policy Furthermore, the 2015 post-election summer budget introduced by the chancellor mandated a 1% reduction in social housing rents, while households earning over £30,000 outside London residing in social housing are now obligated to pay market rents.

The transition to universal credits is leading to financial challenges for many, particularly those struggling with money management, which may result in rising rent and council tax arrears As more tenants on benefits are required to contribute to their council tax, the potential for increased evictions and debt rises, creating a higher demand for emergency housing and support services.

Nationally homelessness is on the increase Therefore we need to have a continued emphasis on early intervention and prevention methods to reduce the numbers of households reaching crisis point

Tamworth Borough remains a significant area for property repossessions, highlighting the urgent need for effective management strategies With the conclusion of the mortgage rescue scheme, it is crucial for the council to explore alternative solutions to support homeowners at risk of losing their properties.

Youth homelessness is primarily driven by parental eviction, highlighting the urgent need for councils to enhance mediation services for families in crisis Additionally, creating Temporary Accommodation tailored for young individuals can provide them with a secure environment while they seek permanent housing or during mediation efforts.

Tamworth Homelessness Education Program needs to continue in schools and alternative education establishments and further and higher education

The housing solutions team must establish effective data collection methods to demonstrate the value of prevention strategies, ensuring that cost-effectiveness can be clearly measured This approach will be especially beneficial during budget cut discussions, providing a solid business case for investing in preventive measures.

Since 2008, the use of temporary accommodation, particularly Bed and Breakfasts, has surged due to various factors, including a rise in homelessness applications and a limited number of properties available through the Private Sector Leasing (PSL) scheme, which currently stands at only four A recent PSL review has recommended expanding the scheme in response to the growing demand for one- and two-bedroom properties, compounded by a decrease in available council housing Additionally, efforts to limit family stays in Bed and Breakfast accommodations to no longer than six weeks have intensified the pressure on the PSL and housing register Initiatives like "hospital to home" are also helping to identify clients who may have previously gone unnoticed or who would have sought housing solutions only in crisis situations.

The demand for council housing is currently exceeding supply, with a notable shift towards a higher need for smaller properties, while larger homes are experiencing decreased interest This trend may be influenced by the under-occupancy charge and rising utility costs Additionally, as family sizes decrease and fewer couples choose to have children, the preference for one-bedroom properties is becoming more prevalent.

Also as the fixed term tenancies start to come to an end household will be expected to move if their financial situation or household has changed.

Homelessness Strategy Review and Evidence Base 107

Next Steps 109

Upon completion of the strategy review, the findings will be shared with partners for consultation These insights will inform the draft of the homelessness strategy, which will subsequently undergo further consultation with both partners and the public.

After the strategy is finalized, it will be presented to the cabinet for approval Once approved, a project group will be established to oversee the implementation of the strategy.

Local Authorities are encouraged to develop a dedicated Homelessness Prevention Strategy, in addition to the existing statutory Homelessness Strategy This distinct strategy should be overseen by a local Homelessness Forum, ensuring collaboration among partners, formal approval, and integration with the authority's broader corporate frameworks and other strategic initiatives.

Homelessness Strategy Review and Evidence Base 109

West Midlands “No Second Night Out” Standard: 2013 onwards

Our mission is to ensure that homelessness is eradicated in the West Midlands, with a commitment that no individual should spend more than one night on the streets when they find themselves homeless for the first time.

This is a West Midlands wide commitment and is endorsed in principle by the following Local Authorities and partner agencies:

List authorities when its done

Endorsing this initiative at the regional level and implementing it through sub-regions will strengthen our commitment It will improve collaboration among Local Authorities and partners, fostering a coordinated approach that leverages shared skills, resources, and insights.

For the purpose of this standard, a rough sleeper is:

Rough sleeping refers to individuals who are either preparing to sleep, sitting or standing next to their bedding, or are already settled in outdoor locations such as streets, parks, tents, doorways, bus shelters, or encampments It also includes those who find shelter in buildings or spaces not intended for habitation, including stairwells, barns, sheds, car parks, vehicles, derelict boats, and other makeshift areas This definition is derived from the "Evaluating the Extent of Rough Sleeping" report by Communities and Local Government, published in September 2010.

We will also use the following sub definitions to identify the extent of the issue:

New Rough Sleepers (Flow): people who move onto the streets for the first time in the year (Financial year)

Continuing Rough Sleepers (Stock): people who were sleeping rough in the previous year as well as the one in which the analysis is being undertaken

Returners, as defined by the No One Left Out report from Communities and Local Government in November 2008, refer to individuals who have previously been observed sleeping rough but have not been seen on the streets in the past year.

In principle, we will deliver the outcome by:

Working in three sub-regions across the West Midlands:

Homelessness Strategy Review and Evidence Base 111

Birmingham, Black Country, Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire

Collectively and individually we will:

Developing a coherent database across the sub-regions and region and sharing good practice via the West Midlands Homelessness Forum and sub-regional groups

Co-ordinating rough sleeper estimates and counts across the sub-regions and region

We will extend outreach services or options across the sub-regions, ensuring that any rough sleeper in the region can be reached and offered a service

Co-ordinate Cold Weather provision

Via the sub-regions and other partnerships we will co-ordinate Severe Weather Provision where that adds value to the work being done by individual authorities

To provide effective support for rough sleepers, it is essential to offer individualized solutions that ensure timely assistance without redundancy among agencies This can be achieved through regular information sharing and the development of a comprehensive range of services accessible across sub-regions and local authority areas Each local authority should have, at a minimum, access to essential services tailored to meet the needs of rough sleepers.

• Personalised support packages to help people off the street

We are committed to providing ongoing support and alternatives for rough sleepers who choose to remain outdoors It is essential that they fully comprehend the solutions presented to them and have the ability to make informed decisions regarding these options.

We will investigate areas frequently utilized as rough sleeping sites to identify any factors necessitating environmental enforcement, such as the unsafe or illegal disposal of waste and food.

Local authorities play a crucial role in addressing rough sleeping, but they cannot tackle this issue alone It is essential for each Local Authority to collaborate and work towards effective outreach services, recognizing that collective efforts are necessary for meaningful change.

Creating pathways to accommodation so that outreach providers can respond to reports of rough sleepers, bring people indoors and prevent a second night out

Creating pathways and making a commitment to support rough sleepers into sustainable accommodation beyond the first night in.

Create clearly identified processes for referring to social services / mental health services in their area.

Offering space / use of meeting rooms for outreach providers to carry out assessments.

Signing up to a data sharing agreement.

Identifying and committing relevant key personnel to attend regular sub-regional NSNO or rough sleepers prevention meetings.

Funding: The resources to make this happen will come from existing Homelessness

Grant investment and from the DCLG Prevention monies available in each sub-region

It will be up to each authority and sub-region to agree how the money is invested to achieve the outcomes endorsed in this document.

Exit strategy: There is no commitment to provide any additional cross authority services for rough sleepers beyond the term of the DCLG Prevention funding

The effects of enhanced outreach services and coordination will be assessed on a quarterly basis Subsequently, sub-regional project groups will evaluate the resource requirements for maintaining the standard beyond the 2013/14 period and will provide recommendations to the appropriate authorities in their respective sub-regions.

Homelessness Strategy Review and Evidence Base 113

The following Local Authorities are offering or planning to offer aspects of this standard:

Providing one point of contact for reporting rough sleepers

Extend outreach service across the sub- region

Rolling out an agreed sleepers database in each sub- region

Co- ordinatin g rough sleeper estimate s and counts across the sub- regions

Co- ordinatin g Cold Weather provision

Offer personali sed solutions and individual budgets

Providing one point of contact for reporting rough sleepers

Extend outreach service across the sub- region

Rolling out an agreed sleepers database in each sub- region

Co- ordinatin g rough sleeper estimates and counts across the sub- regions

Co- ordinatin g Cold Weather provision

Offer personali sed solutions and individual budgets

Birmingham, Black Country, Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire

Homelessness Strategy Review and Evidence Base 115

Providin g one point of contact for reporting rough sleepers

Extend outreach service across the sub- region

Rolling out an agreed sleepers databas e in each sub- region

Co- ordinatin g rough sleeper estimate s and counts across the sub- regions

Co- ordinatin g Cold Weather provision

Offer personali sed solutions and individua l budgets

This standard has been endorsed by the following representative of each of the Local Authorities:

On Behalf of Herefordshire Council

On Behalf of Malvern Hills D C

On Behalf of Wyre Forest D C

Homelessness Strategy Review and Evidence Base 117

On Behalf of Cannock Chase D C

On Behalf of Staffordshire Moorlands D C

On Behalf of East Staffordshire B C

On Behalf of Stoke on Trent C C

On Behalf of Newcastle under Lyme B C

On Behalf of Shropshire Council

On Behalf of South Staffordshire Council

On Behalf of Telford & Wrekin Council

Birmingham, Black Country, Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire

On Behalf of Sandwell Council

On Behalf of Stratford on Avon D C

Homelessness Strategy Review and Evidence Base 119

On Behalf of North Warwickshire B C

On Behalf of Walsall Council

On Behalf of Nuneaton & Bedworth B C

The following stakeholders and partners have endorsed and will support the implementation of this standard.

Appendix 2 – Gap analysis of former action plan

Strategic Housing Service Planning for a review of the Homelessness Strategy 2009 -2012

The Homelessness Act 2002 mandates local authorities to review homelessness and related services regularly Tamworth Borough Council's existing Homelessness Strategy is set to expire in 2012, prompting a comprehensive review of its current approach Upon completing this review, the Council plans to develop and implement a new three-year strategy that aligns with its Healthier Housing Strategy and supports the overarching priorities outlined within it.

Approach to the Review Process

A 4 step approach to the review is suggested:

Step 1 – Review of the national, regional and local context

The Coalition Government's initiatives, including the "No Second Night Out" program and the Localism Bill, play a crucial role in shaping local authorities' Tenancy Strategies These initiatives mandate that authorities consider their existing homelessness strategies when developing these plans, ensuring a cohesive approach to addressing homelessness in the community.

• Regional context – To determine the impact of the dismantling of regional structures on Homelessness

In developing the new strategy, it is essential to align with the local strategic context by integrating the priorities of Tamworth Borough Council, particularly the Healthier Housing Strategy Furthermore, the Homelessness Strategy should actively support the initiatives of the task and finish groups established by the Tamworth Strategic Partnership, ensuring a cohesive approach to addressing community needs.

Step 2 – Review of the evidence

There should be a review of the data from a number of sources including:

• Tamworth Borough Councils Housing Needs Study 2012

• P1E data and internal housing data

• External data from: Office for National Statistics (ONS); Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD); Probation Service; RSLs; other agencies providing homelessness services and Health (JSNA)

A wide range of methods should be utilised to engage key stakeholders and partners upon whom the final strategy will have an impact This could include:

• A Homelessness Strategy Review Event which gives consideration to the priorities contained within the current strategy, their ongoing relevance and determination of new priorities based on evidence

• Utilisation of Tamworth Borough Councils Citizens Panel

• Presentation and discussion at the Private Sector Landlords Forum

• Survey of Key Partners and those engaged in delivering Homelessness activities

• Forum held with young people

• Feedback from Tenant Representatives from the Tenant Consultative Group

Step 4 – Health check of the current Strategy and Action plan to determine gaps