Today’s (Thursday 19th June) Housing Policy Committee meeting approved a final version of the Temporary Accommodation Strategy and Policy following a public consultation. The strategy outlines actions for the next five years, whereas the policy is an ongoing document.
The new approach sets out a streamlined and transparent process for allocating temporary housing to local residents in need.
The Council has never had these documents in place, and doing so will allow officers to plan better for when residents need placing in temporary accommodation, rather than working reactively as and when the need arises.
Among the priorities for the strategy are:
- Ensuring robust triaging of assessments and casework and realigning service structures and resources to increase the focus on prevention
- Ending the use of B&Bs, hotels and Nightly Paid Accommodation
- Rebalancing the draft Allocations Policy – due to come to next month’s extraordinary meeting of the Housing Policy Committee for a progress report - to increase the number of lets to households currently in temporary accommodation and find them a suitable alternative
- Building on our strong partnerships across all sectors with expertise in supporting those at risk of homelessness and improve outcomes
The policy details a robust process for assessing temporary accommodation needs. By clearly setting out eligibility criteria, it aims to ensure those who are most vulnerable receive support promptly and fairly.
Tenants and residents can expect a more consistent and timely response when applying for temporary housing. This move is designed to address issues raised by previous ad-hoc processes.
The policy also reinforces the Council’s commitment to safeguarding residents facing housing crises. It emphasises not only the immediate provision of temporary homes but also the integration of support services, ensuring a path towards permanent solutions.
Residents will be given a clearer understanding of the procedures involved, giving increased trust and accountability in how temporary accommodation is allocated.
It also aims to reduce delays and help ensure that vulnerable individuals and families receive assistance when they need it most. This will better manage demand and support the broader goal of reducing reliance on costly bed-and-breakfast and other hotel arrangements, ultimately easing financial pressures on the Housing service.
The number of households in temporary accommodation has unfortunately increased in the last two years, meaning more residents and families are being placed in those costly B&Bs, which can be unsuitable for their needs. This crisis is not only faced by Sheffield, but is also reflected nationally, which makes this strategy and policy even more necessary.
When need arises, the strategy and policy will ensure suitable, affordable, and cost-effective temporary accommodation is available. Alongside this, we will ensure the right support is available to prepare people for independent living.
This strategy and policy are a significant step towards making our temporary accommodation provision more effective.
We are dedicated to ensuring every resident in need is met with efficient, compassionate support while we work towards long-term housing stability.
Allowing people to live in safe, secure and affordable housing is something we continue to strive for in Sheffield. By more easily being able to help those with the most pressing need, it helps us to manage our housing stock more efficiently for all who require it in the city.
Cllr Douglas Johnson, Chair of the Housing Committee at Sheffield City Council
To read the report brought to today’s committee meeting, head to our website.
