Purpose

To request authority to enter a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Council; to facilitate implementation of the delivery of up to 80 homes for temporary accommodation and refugee resettlement and relocation schemes through Round 4 of the Local Authority Housing Fund.

Decision

That the Corporate Director Finance and Resources:

i)               Authorises the Council to enter into the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and associated grant agreement with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) for a period of four years, from 2026/27 – 2029/30 to facilitate implementation of the delivery of up to 80 homes for temporary accommodation and refugee resettlement and relocation schemes through Round 4 of the Local Authority Housing Fund.

ii)              Notes that the proposed acquisition of up to 80 properties using the allocated Local Authority Housing Fund and prudential borrowing was approved by Cabinet and Full Council as part of the annual budget in February 2026.

Reasons for the decision

As detailed within the accompanying report.

Alternative options considered

As detailed within the accompanying report.