Motion for Long-Term Homelessness Strategy: Councillor Jayne Francis urged the deputy minister and housing secretary Angela Rayner to develop a long-term homelessness strategy centered around local councils.
Funding Needs: Francis emphasized the need for fair funding, investment in alternatives to temporary accommodation, and increased supply of social rented homes.
West Midlands Housing Vision: The new West Midlands mayor, Richard Parker, aims to secure £146 million for social housing, targeting an additional 2,000 social homes.
Current Housing Crisis in Birmingham: Approximately 5,000 households live in temporary accommodations, with over 700 families, including children, in bed and breakfasts for over six weeks. The council is spending £2 million per month on temporary housing, which Francis deems "unsustainable."
Criticism of Affordable Housing Targets: Councillor Gareth Moore criticized the council's failure to meet its 35% affordable housing goal. Recent projects like Smithfield, Perry Barr Athletes Village, and Port Loop fell significantly below the target.
Council’s Plans for More Social Housing: Alongside its temporary housing efforts, the council is working to increase social housing supply by partnering with developers, particularly in regeneration projects like Druids Heath and Ladywood.
Action Following Motion: With the motion passed, Birmingham City Council will formally request that the government’s homelessness taskforce prioritize a national homelessness strategy with investment in social housing and alternatives to temporary housing.
Additional Funding Announcement: Rushanara Ali, minister for homelessness, announced an extra £10 million in rough sleeping funds for local councils in England this winter.