Purpose

To seek approval for the purchase acquisition of the residential property to be used as temporary accommodation for homeless households owed a statutory duty.

Decision

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

(i)       approves the purchase acquisition of a residential property listed in Appendix A of the report on the main terms and conditions referred to in this report.

(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 because it would mean having to rely solely on leasing of rented accommodation to meet temporary accommodation demand which would reduce the number of affordable rented properties that are available for households who require them. 

Rely on hotel accommodation to meet temporary accommodation demand – this was rejected. It is accepted that the Council will continue to need to use hotel provision due to its flexibility.  However, this comes at a considerable cost to the Council and therefore it is necessary to reduce, as far as possible, the level of reliance on this type of provision because the cost of using it leads to significant subsidy loss to the Council.