1. Rough Sleepers the Brent experience WL Housing Lead Members 16 th November 2010 Perry Singh Assistant Director of Housing Brent Council

2. Historic perspective Not a major problem. Street counts ranged from 1-4 Marked change around 4-5 years ago 2

3. Over a short period… Police informed of a murder of a Polish rough sleeper Church groups contacted us about supporting a large number of alcohol dependent rough sleepers Two significant Brent sites identified – Alperton and Neasden More recently major fire of a derelict office block – large number of squatters

6. Characteristics Mainly: –Failed Asylum Seekers –A10 nationals –Or otherwise no recourse Often: –Alcohol dependent –Health problems – physical or mental –Over-represented in criminal justice system As perpetrators and victims Sometimes – recourse, but client lacks basic capacity to act –‘Lifestyle ‘choice

7. Mr K is happy to be here. ‘I have no job so I move around. Last week I got some work in construction. I got paid £100 for two days’ work, but now I have nothing,’ he says, shrugging his shoulders. He wants to stay and wants no help in return. ‘This is a special place, there’s no food and no energy, but I’m a hard man,’ he chuckles. ‘Capitalism isn’t for me. I have what I need… I don’t need comforts. If we get cold, we just light a fire.’ Inside Housing

8. Formulate the strategy Set-up strategic group: –Borough Commander Fire service –Chief Inspector Police –AD Housing –Senior Health Service Manager –Planning enforcement –Environmental Health Manager –Head of Outreach Service –Thames Reach (later on)

9. Focus Action plan developed and delivered through Operational Group Formal reporting route to CDRP Agree approach Corporately –In particular agreement to enforcement, as well as assistance Partnership approach to closing down RS sites Get funding and procure re-connections service Access to drying out beds

10. Outcomes 2 rough sleeper sites closed. More than 180 RS re-connected across sub-region Dealt with ‘flow’ of 90 RS a year Hardcore of 3 rough sleepers –Consulting with UKBA

11. Impact of HB Changes!

12. Housing Benefit Loss by Borough (projection)