Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the deputy chief executive – transformation and operations. 

(1)       Local Authority Housing Fund and Service Family Accommodation housing

Cabinet considered the report of the deputy chief executive – transformation and operations on work being undertaken in relation to providing homes under government schemes. 

The report set out the proposed framework to deliver a target of 14 homes that met the eligibility criteria outlined within the Local Authority Housing Fund prospectus.  This was in accordance with the signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, which set out the basis for the use of the funding.  The report sought approval to progress to the delivery phase. 

The report also set out the proposed framework to lease approximately 48 Service Family Accommodation properties for up to three years.  This would provide transitional accommodation for individuals and families under the government’s Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy scheme.  The report sought approval to enter into the respective arrangements with the Home Office and the Ministry of Defence. 

The report outlined the projected capital and revenue implications and potential risks and benefits of proceeding with the schemes.  Given the capital funding and potential borrowing requirement necessary for the Local Authority Housing Fund scheme, Cabinet would need to make recommendation to full Council so that agreement could be sought for financial allocations to be made to allow the Local Authority Housing Fund scheme to proceed. 

Cabinet recognised that this was a significant undertaking for the council and thanked officers for their work in progressing the schemes in such a short timescale.  There were daily changes to the arrangements and the council would have to adapt to these. 

Cabinet supported progressing with the Local Authority Housing Fund and Service Family Accommodation property schemes as a matter of urgency and necessity to support those most in need of the council’s help.  The financial arrangements had been assessed in detail.  The council would receive government grant funding of approximately 40 per cent of the cost but would have to fund the remainder.  However, the homes would then belong to the council.  Cabinet members supported the proposals. 

RESOLVED: to

(a)    note the approach proposed for the delivery and management of the properties under the Local Authority Housing Fund scheme, noting the risks, and approve officers to proceed;

(b)    note the proposed phase one staffing structure for the delivery and management of these properties alongside those purchased or managed under other arrangements;

(c)    approve a virement from Contingency of up to £100,000 to cover potential unbudgeted revenue expenditure;

(d)    authorise the head of development and corporate landlord, in consultation with the heads of finance, legal and democratic, and housing and environment, to approve the freehold or leasehold acquisition of property under the Local Authority Housing Fund scheme following appropriate due diligence; 

(e)    note the financial and other risks presented by the decisions above, as set out in the report of the deputy chief executive – transformation and operations to Cabinet on 3 July 2023; 

(f)     approve the approach proposed for the leasing and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18