Decision Maker: Mid Suffolk Cabinet, Babergh Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: August 5, 2025

Purpose: To seek approval to convert existing premises to temporary accommodation and acquire additional properties to meet temporary needs.

Content: It was RESOLVED: -   1.1          That Cabinet approved the creation of a portfolio of temporary housing properties within the General Fund to serve growing needs with a target of 30 additional units.   1.2          That Cabinet approved the drawdown of funds within the budget to delivery temporary housing units through the use of grant funding and other funding opportunities that become available.   1.3          That delegated authority be given to the Director of Housing and Director of Property, Development & Regeneration in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing to create a portfolio of properties through acquisition, conversion and development in the General Fund for Temporary Accommodation purposes in accordance with the criteria set out at paragraph 2.3 and Appendix A of the report.   1.4          That delegated authority be given to the Director of Housing and Director of Property, Development & Regeneration in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing to negotiate, enter into contracts including the appointment of contractors and consultants to enable the creation of a portfolio properties for temporary accommodation purposes.     REASON FOR DECISION   To deliver fit for purpose temporary accommodation in an effective and efficient way to meet the growing needs for temporary accommodation across the district.   Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:   Option 1: Continue reliance on Bed & Breakfast and commercial hotel accommodation. This option reflects the current default position. However, it is increasingly untenable due to spiralling costs, with BDC spending over £36,554 per month on TA, some of which is not recoverable through Housing Benefit. This model often places households out of district, disrupts education and employment, and can fail to meet acceptable standards. Continued reliance would result in escalating financial pressure on the General Fund, while delivering poor outcomes for families.    Option 2: Utilise existing Housing Revenue Account (HRA) properties for TA Some HRA homes have been used as a short-term measure to relieve TA pressures. While this can help mitigate immediate demand, it is not a viable long-term strategy. Using social rent properties for TA displaces households on the housing register, distorts stock management, and creates legal and financial complexity by cross-subsidising between accounts. It also undermines the purpose of HRA-held assets and risks breaching housing finance regulations if scaled.   Any Declarations of Interests Declared: None Any Dispensation Granted: None