Purpose

Cabinet decision to increase the numbers of
homes available to let to Ukrainian refugees who are still waiting
for accommodation and prevent homelessness when current host
arrangements end.

Content

Cabinet paper – 3 October 2023 -
Homelessness Prevention Grant (HPG) Homes for Ukraine top-up 23/24
Item 10 Proposals for Homelessness Prevention Grant – Home
for Ukraine Grant
The council successfully bid for funding under the Homelessness
Prevention Grant Homes for Ukraine top-up scheme. Cabinet approved
proposals to introduce a loan scheme under item 3.3.2 of the
Cabinet paper. The new scheme would offer 0% loans to empty
property owners to bring homes back into use and in return BCC will
have 100% nomination rights for Homes for Ukraine cohort to begin
with, and then extend to wider refugee resettlement need.
The capital loan fund plus administration costs will be passed to
the well-established loan partner, Lendology to administer. We Care
and Repair under our existing HIA agreement, will undertake surveys
and manage refurbishments and loan drawdown. The administration
costs will be met by utilising £25,460.00 of Homes for
Ukraine tariff funding, which is within budget and adheres to
guidance and conditions. Referrals will be made by the Refugee
Resettlement Team and the loans process overseen by the Private
Housing Service. As each loan is repaid, the capital is recycled
for future loans under the scheme.