Original enquiry description:
Can I please have an update regarding the issue of homelessness outside Southgate police station, can I please get an update if the person has been removed and if the council are providing the necessary assistance.
Response details:
Dear Cllr Stephanos Ioannou,
Thank you for your request for an update on this issue. I can confirm that on Monday 03 April I sent the update below on the previous enquiry 101000423373. I understand that this response should have been flagged up on Verint and should be visible on the notes section. However, apologies if this isn’t the case.
Further to my update below, in light of the remaining occupants refusal to accept help, I have forwarded your request for regular updates on the actions that are being taken to encourage the owner of the property to take action to remove the trespasser from their land to the appropriate service – XXXX from Strategic Property Services. I have asked XXXX to keep you updated. FYI, I understand that there is no category on Verint for “Unlawful encampments / Trespass” issues. However, I have determined that enquiries can be sent through to Strategic Property Services using the enquiry category “Management of council properties – (not council housing)”.
I can confirm that my service will visit the occupant regularly, and we will continue to offer accommodation before, during and after any action that may be taken to remove him form the site. I can confirm that the occupant knows who to contact (in Enfield and in the borough with which he has a local connection – Haringey) should he change his mind and decide to accept help. I can confirm that I have made several requests to the Police, Strategic property Services and the ASB team to take any actions possible to facilitate the occupants removal from the site and address the impact this is having on the local community. I will keep you informed of any updates my service become aware of.
Here is my update sent Monday:
On Friday 31 March the Street Homeless Service received an update on this case. We understand that one of the occupants was put into custody last week concerning an previous and unrelated issue. We were also informed that there was a fire on the site on Thursday night. The outreach team rushed to the site to offer the remaining occupant support and accommodation. Our outreach worker took him to our Somewhere Safe to Stay Hub in Edmonton, where he was offered accommodation and support. After lengthy negotiations, he agreed to stay there, and we carried out a needs assessment, and took efforts to support him. This support included, but was not restricted to, help with benefits, ID and housing. Unfortunately, I understand that he abandoned the hub over the weekend, and returned to the sleep site outside the Old Southgate Police Station. We will continue with our efforts to engage with him, and encourage him to accept help. I have contacted Strategic Property Services, the ASB Team and the Police again, reiterating the impact that this issue is having on the local community, and I have asked them to continue efforts to take any legal or practical actions necessary to encourage the property owner to take action regarding the trespass, and tackle the associated ASB. I have asked Strategic property Services keep you updated on their efforts to encourage the property owner to take action.
Thank you,
XXXXXX