Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: September 10, 2024

Purpose: Cabinet is recommended to agree that the Council complete a lease transaction on the specific proposal outlined in the report for new self-contained temporary accommodation supply in the borough.  

Content: Cabinet: (1)          agreed to the Council taking a 5 year serviced lease (with the option to break on six months’ notice after a minimum term of 18 months) of the London Walthamstow Hotel 543 & 586 Lea Bridge Rd, Leyton, London E10 7EB & E10 7DN (formerly known as the Sleeping Beauty Hotel/All Seasons Hotel), consisting of 221 self-contained rooms to be used as temporary accommodation in fulfilment of the council’s duties towards families in housing need on the Heads of Terms at Appendix A of the report; (2)          agreed to the council taking a 3-year lease of at Waterside Lodge, a former care home in Southern Leytonstone, consisting of 24 self-contained rooms to be used as temporary accommodation in fulfilment of the Council’s duties towards families in housing need on the Heads of Terms at Appendix B of the report; (3)          agreed, in principle, the option to purchase the freehold of Waterside Lodge at any point during the lease term, subject to agreement of commercial terms; and (4)          delegated authority for the agreement of the final terms of the lease transactions of London Walthamstow Hotel and Waterside Lodge, and final terms of the acquisition of Waterside Lodge, to the Commercial Director, Property and Delivery, in consultation with the Strategic Director of Place, the Strategic Director of Resources, the Corporate Director of Governance and Law and the Corporate Director of Housing.   Options & Alternatives Considered Do nothing - the alternative to not proceeding with these lease transactions would be to continue to house large numbers of households in shared accommodation, and to place households in costly commercial hotels. These are more frequently located within neighbouring boroughs due to lack of suitable supply within the borough. Continuing with the current position not only puts huge financial pressure on the Council but means more residents are placed out of borough.