URL: https://moderngov.fareham.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2696

Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To provide the Executive with relevant context and background regarding Hampshire County Council’s decision to end their contribution toward Homelessness Support Services (also known as Social Inclusion Services); to set out the potential implications of this to homelessness prevention and support in Fareham Borough; and to determine an appropriate approach moving forward that addresses the Council’s Housing Act responsibilities within financial constraints.   The costs of the proposal will principally apply from 2026/27.  These costs will be partly met through a redirection of the Council’s current annual contribution toward Hampshire County Council’s Social Inclusion contract with Two Saints.   The remaining costs will be met through grant reserves currently held, the amounts of which are anticipated to facilitate additional staffing resource within the Council’s Tenancy sustainment and Temporary Accommodation service for the latter part of 2025/26 (allowing for transitional support), and 2026/27 and 2027/28. This will (as with many statutory housing services) be dependent on continuing similar grant levels provided by MHCLG.  

Content: To provide the Executive with relevant context and background regarding Hampshire County Council’s decision to end their contribution toward Homelessness Support Services (also known as Social Inclusion Services); to set out the potential implications of this to homelessness prevention and support in Fareham Borough; and to determine an appropriate approach moving forward that addresses the Council’s Housing Act responsibilities within financial constraints.   The costs of the proposal will principally apply from 2026/27.  These costs will be partly met through a redirection of the Council’s current annual contribution toward Hampshire County Council’s Social Inclusion contract with Two Saints.   The remaining costs will be met through grant reserves currently held, the amounts of which are anticipated to facilitate additional staffing resource within the Council’s Tenancy sustainment and Temporary Accommodation service for the latter part of 2025/26 (allowing for transitional support), and 2026/27 and 2027/28. This will (as with many statutory housing services) be dependent on continuing similar grant levels provided by MHCLG.   RESOLVED that the Executive:   (a)  notes the withdrawal of Hampshire County Council’s funding and the impact on services currently provided, (principally) at 101 Gosport Road and Acton Lodge;   (b)  agrees the principle of Fareham Borough Council increasing its existing staffing resource within the Tenancy Sustainment and Temporary Accommodation service to provide housing related support to assist those vulnerable customers impacted (including similar new customer need arising), to sustain tenancies and accommodation; and   (c)  delegates matters associated with delivery of recommendation (b) to the Director of Housing and Health as part of operational/staffing requirements.

Date of Decision: October 2, 2025