Purpose

Property Purchase of up to 6 Houses in
different locations throughout the County and 9 flats in
Chesham

Content

The
Leader:-

 

A.    
AGREED the addition of £12.2m to the
Council’s Capital Programme, funded from LAHF and ringfenced
Afghan and Ukraine grants to fund the purchase of houses in
accordance with the LAHF Memorandum of Understanding

 

B.     
AUTHORISED that the Director of Property and Assets in
consultation with the Cabinet Member for Accessible Housing and
Resources, the Cabinet Member for Homelessness and Regulatory
Services and S151 Officer to finalise and conclude due diligence
and agree heads of terms, freehold contracts, exchange and complete
on the initial 15 homes referenced in this report.
 

C.     
AUTHORISED the Director of Property and Assets, in consultation
with the Cabinet member for Accessible Housing and Resources, the
Cabinet Member for Homelessness and Regulatory Services and S151
Officer, to consult with relevant local members and proceed to
identify, exchange and complete further purchases within the terms
of the LAHF grant and the balance of the funding available
(£5.1m).
D.    
AUTHORISED the Director of Property and Assets in
consultation with the Cabinet Members for Accessible Housing and
Resources and Homelessness and Regulatory Services and the Housing
Team to agree the terms of the proposed lease to a chosen
Registered Provider for a term of 3-5 years, who will let and
manage the properties within that period.
E.     
AGREED that any capital premium paid by the Registered
Provider to the Council will be retained in an earmarked reserve to
be reinvested in the long-term maintenance of the
properties.
 
This
decision is being taken under Special Urgency provisions of the
constitution due to the timescales required for
completion.