1.      that the Torbay Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy Action Plan, as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report be approved;

2.      that Adult and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Board be requested to track delivery against the action plan on a quarterly basis; and

3.      that any subsequent changes or additions to the Action Plan be approved by the Director of Adult and Community Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities.

The Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy was a statutory requirement under the Homelessness Act 2002, and the subsequent Action Plan supported good governance and delivery.

No alternative options were considered. The adoption of the Action Plan was the logical next step following the approval of the overarching strategy and was essential for co-ordinated delivery.

This decision will come into force and may be implemented on 2 September 2025 unless the call-in procedure is triggered (as set out in the Standing Orders in relation to Overview and Scrutiny).

The Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy Action Plan was developed collaboratively by 45 organisations and individuals, following a relational engagement session in February 2025.

The action plan aimed to:

• strengthen cohesion and shared understanding across the homelessness sector.
• improve communication, data sharing, and connectivity.
• establish clear accommodation pathways and consistent support offers.
• align homelessness efforts with other Council strategies (e.g. Housing, Domestic Abuse, Economic Development).
• track progress through a performance framework and dashboards.

The priorities reflected the broad range of work that was undertaken to meet local housing need, including developing affordable housing, maintaining housing standards, and helping people to stay independent in their own homes, whilst preventing homelessness.

At the meeting Councillor Tranter proposed and Councillor Billings seconded a motion that was agreed unanimously by the Cabinet, as set out above.

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