Decision details

To seek Executive approval for additional capital budget to be made available to the Capital Programme for the purpose of acquisitions or other forms of provision that will provide emergency and temporary accommodation opportunities.  

The provision of emergency and temporary accommodation is a statutory function of the authority.  Costs of providing this are primarily met through the General Fund.  The overall expenditure on this by the Council has increased dramatically in recent years.  This is reflective of similar trends experiences at other district and unitary authorities.

To mitigate this unsustainable and rising cost it is proposed that further capital budget is made available to allow for property acquisitions or long lease arrangements which will provide a more cost-effective solution.  Council provided accommodation in the Borough will often also be better for our customers, decreasing the reliance on B&B use outside of the Borough, and providing accommodation with access to cooking and laundry facilities.

RESOLVED that the Executive:

(a)  agrees an increase in capital budget, to purchase or directly provide further emergency accommodation, to a level of expenditure as set out in Confidential Appendix A to the report; and

(b)  delegates authority to the Director of Housing, following consultation with the Executive Member for Housing, to agree the final acquisition cost, terms of purchase and/or long lease arrangements (subject to the purchase being within affordable levels), of any suitable property or properties identified.