Issue - meetings

Report C/17/58 sets out a proposal to purchase a property to be used as temporary accommodation as an alternative to expensive and less suitable Bed and Breakfast accommodation. The proposed temporary accommodation is the most appropriate and cost effective method for meeting the statutory requirements of the Homelessness Reduction Act.

Report C/17/58 sets out a proposal to purchase a property to be used as

temporary accommodation as an alternative to expensive and less suitable

Bed and Breakfast accommodation. The proposed temporary

accommodation is the most appropriate and cost effective method for

meeting the statutory requirements of the Homelessness Reduction Act.

Adrian Hammond, Housing Strategy Manager and Mark Damiral, Housing Options Manager presented members with the report noting that the Council’s temporary accommodation costs have increased considerably over the last two years.

The acquisition and conversion of a suitable property or properties to provide 12 units of temporary accommodation for homeless households will help to alleviate the increase.

Members asked a number of questions paying particular attention to the following:

·         Tenants will be given licences of no more than 6 months in the proposed accommodation but will receive support and future homeless prevention interventions will be provided by officers.

·         Officers have learnt lessons from previous types of accommodation and the 12 units proposed will be over 2 or 3 properties and not all in one place.

·         Families will not be placed in properties that are not suitable, all the new units will be self-contained with separate bathroom and kitchenette facilities.

·         Officers will review the success of the  project and if levels of homelessness and the need for temporary accommodation increases the Council could consider providing further units in the future.

·         Other options have been considered and the Cabinet Member for Housing, together with officers have visited two modular housing providers, both of which could be used to provide temporary accommodation solutions.

Members noted the report.

Proposed by Councillor Ms Susan Carey

Seconded by Councillor Clive Goddard and

Resolved:

1.         To receive and note Report C/17/58.

(Voting: For 8; Against 0; Abstentions 0)