Purpose

To seek approval for the award of a grant through the Local Authority Housing Fund Round 2 (Afghan Resettlement Scheme) to Livv Housing to enable the purchase of a residential property for the Afghan Resettlement Scheme.

Decision

The Executive Director (Regeneration and Economic Development) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development hereby:

(i)       approves the award of a grant through the Local Authority Housing Fund Round 2 (Afghan Resettlement Scheme) as detailed in Appendix C to Livv Housing for the acquisition of a residential property listed in Appendix A of the report on the main terms and conditions referred to in Appendix B.

(ii)       authorises the Head of Legal Services to prepare and complete the necessary legal documentation.

Alternative options considered

Do not purchase the property – this was rejected. The Council was allocated funding by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities through its Local Authority Housing Fund Round 2 to enable the purchase of nine properties to meet housing demand to support the Government’s Afghan Resettlement Scheme.  The Council has entered into grant funding agreement with the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to deliver the scheme.  The scheme will provide additional affordable housing in the borough and will support the Council to alleviate the use of temporary accommodation.