Purpose

A
combination of many factors including, changes in the housing
market, changes in legislation and the cost-of-living crisis have
led to a housing crisis in Cardiff. Temporary accommodation is
full, and as a result of this a significant number of emergency
accommodation units are currently being utilised by families and
single people.
 
This
report will lay out the current and anticipated further increase in
demand, set out our immediate and longer-term response, detailing
innovative proposals to substantially increase the number of new
build temporary accommodation units across the city, and propose
necessary policy changes
 

Content

Appendices 1, 2, 3 & 7 are not for publication
as they contain exempt information of the description contained in
paragraphs 14, 16 and 21 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the
Local Government Act 1972.

 
RESOLVED: that
 

1.           
a consultation process on the proposed policy
changes outlined in paragraphs 34, 39 and 40 of the report,
including the consideration of intentionality in making homeless
decisions, the removal of areas of choice for homeless applicants
on the Common Housing Waiting List and offering private rented
accommodation outside the city, in neighbouring local authority
areas be undertaken.

 

2.           
final approval on implementing the changes under
recommendation (i) above be delegated to the Corporate Director
People and Communities in consultation with the Cabinet Member,
Housing and Communities, following a full impact assessment and
consultation with stakeholders.

 

3.           
in principle the acquisition of the property
identified in Appendix 1and the direct award
of a new contract for the meanwhile modular delivery of temporary
accommodation across the sites identified in Appendix 2 be noted
and approved.
 

4.           
final approval of the acquisition of properties and
direct award of the contract to Wates set out in recommendation
(iii) above and any ancillary matters relating to it be delegated
to the Corporate Director, People & Communities in consultation
with the S.151 Officer, Legal Services and the Cabinet members for
Housing & Communities and Finance, Modernisation and
Performance subject to:
 

·        
Approval of appropriate grant funding being secured
from Welsh Government,

·        
Agreement of Head of Terms for the proposed lease
arrangements with Welsh Government and Cardiff & Vale Health
Board for the sites identified in Appendix 2 and in relation to the
property purchase identified in Appendix 1.

·        
Confirmation of a suitable financial viability
assessment for each of the sites.

·        
Confirmation that the decision does not result in
commitments outside budget framework constraints.