To set out the rationale for the council to purchase two homes that can be used as

an alternative to more expensive bed and breakfast accommodation to temporarily

house homeless individuals, and seek approval to allocate up to £450,000 from the

council’s reserves to facilitate these purchases.

(i)         That the committee agrees to the release of up to £450,000 from capital receipts to fund the acquisition of two residential properties within the Borough for use as short-term temporary accommodation.

(ii)        In order to speed up the offer and purchase process, that the Chief Executive’s current delegated authority should be used to proceed with the purchase of suitable properties, in consultation with the Head of Housing, the Housing Briefholder, the Finance and Assets Briefholder and Section 151 Officer.

(iii)       That the council’s Steering Group for Democratic Improvement be asked at its earliest opportunity to consider that new delegations be added to the council’s Scheme of Delegation as follows:

Delegations to the Head of Housing

In consultation with the Housing Briefholder and Section 151 Officer, and subject to funding having been agreed, to purchase properties suitable for short term temporary accommodation.  

Manage a portfolio of owned and leased temporary accommodation.

            Offer occupation agreements to homeless households in owned and leased accommodation.

Set charges for owned and leased accommodation.

(iv)       That Management Committee agrees to the release of up to £16,000 from the Direct Leasing Reserve in order to equip and furnish the two properties prior to their being let.