Exempt Accommodation: Call for evidence
This inquiry will glance into the exempt accommodation in Birmingham, what improvements can be & need to be made – either directly by the City Council or through dialogue with Government and the significant t role of the Council in this support.
Since 2017 Birmingham city has witnessed significantly growth in exempt accommodation (i.e. supported accommodation exempt from HMO licensing) . The last 12 months have seen tremendous growth in the amount of supported exempt accommodation claimants with almost or over 18,500 in payment in September 2020 compared with 14,000 in November 2019. The scope and characteristics of this accommodation differs and, may result in provision of adversely poor support to some of the many vulnerable people living in our city.
The band and nature of the accommodation has been and ongoing problem for neighbourhoods and communities as well as it is plummeting the availability of accommodation for families. The situation is trapping some of the most vulnerable people in some of the humblest accommodation with insufficient support hence unable to take up employment or with any possibility to move on.
The Committee desires to hear from residents in these kinds of accommodations, and from neighbouring resident as well as from agencies and statutory partners. This inquiry seeks to augment the voice of residents and agencies, and to Provide the City Council with a solid evidence to base an on-going discussion with the Government.
The key lines of inquiry include:
- What issues are faced in Birmingham by residents and agencies associated with exempt accommodation?
- Are City Council processes fit for purpose, sustainable, efficient, or exacerbating any issues?
- Why do people use exempt accommodation?
- What are the drivers for landlords to enter into providing exempt accommodation?
- What role can Planning legislation play within the confines of existing legislation and how can planning be used or amended to manage the growth of exempt accommodation?
- What are the health needs faced by this group of vulnerable people?
- What can we learn from people’s experiences and best practice in other parts of the country?
An inquiry can beas much productive as much good evidences it receives. Therefore, we Wish & want people across the city to get involved. We would welcome a written statement of your views and experience on any of the above points, along with any other comments you might have on the subject. We will collect all the written submissions and use these as evidence to support our work. We may ask representatives of resident or community groups to give verbal evidence at a meeting of the committee.
We hope that you will use this opportunity to get involved in what we believe will be an influential piece of work.
If you would like any further information about this Scrutiny Inquiry or how to submit written evidence, please email emma.williamson@birmingham.gov.uk
The Inquiry group asks that written submissions are in Microsoft Word format wherever possible and are no longer than four pages. Please include contact details of the person or organisation submitting the evidence.
Submissions should be sent by email to emma.williamson@birmingham.gov.uk
The deadline for written submissions is Friday 19 February 2021.