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The Chair agreed to
accept this report as an item of urgent business. The reason for
urgency being that legal processes needed to commence as soon as
possible, to ensure the Council could successfully achieve its
plans to increase the number of affordable housing in the
Borough.
 
The Chair of the
Communities, Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny
Committee (CRE OS) had agreed that this private meeting of the
Cabinet could not be postponed. The reason for urgency was the need
to ensure the acquisition of two properties to meet the
Council’s statutory housing needs. The Chair of the CRE OS
had also agreed to waive the call – in period for this
decision. This would be immediately effective, following its
publication.
 
Cabinet gave
consideration to a report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration
and Housing / Director of Economy and Place which sought approval
to spot purchase of two properties that became available on the
open market.
 
The Strategic Housing
Lead was in attendance to present the report and to answer the
questions of the Committee.
 
Resolved;
1.   
That the purchase of the specified properties as detailed within
the report, at the cost outlined be approved;
2.   
That the Assistant Director Legal and Governance be authorised to
undertake the necessary legal work in connection with the
acquisitions and execute such documents on behalf of the
Council;
3.   
That the Director of Economy and Place and the Section 151 Officer
be authorised to approve the purchase of the specified
properties.
 
Reason for
decision:
The Council require
access to a range of residential properties, particularly ones for
larger families, to meet statutory housing needs.
 
Alternatives
considered and rejected:
Not to engage in
spot-purchasing would significantly restrict the ability to meet
statutory duties concerning temporary and permanent accommodation
and would lead to increasing exponential loss relating to bed and
breakfast subsidy loss.