Issue - decisions

Matter for Decision

The Council has successfully delivered homes across Round 1 and Round 2 of the LAHF programme. This included delivery of 37 homes, exceeding a combined target of 34 homes across both prior rounds of funding.

A third round was announced by LAHF in early 2024, but was delayed due to national elections and subsequent change in government.

On the basis of confirmation from the Executive Councillor for Housing and the Chief Financial officer, a positive Expression of Interest was submitted to the LAHF, indicating that the Council were willing to enter into an MOU for the pre-allocated funding, subject to formal approval through the Housing Scrutiny Committee.

This report sought approval for the delivery of the 4 homes proposed, together with an allocated budget to be drawn down from the new homes programme funding built into the HRA MTFS.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

      i.         Delegated authority to the Section 151 Officer to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to allow for the Round 3 payment of allocated funding to the Council.

    ii.         Approved that the delivery of accommodation to cater for recent humanitarian schemes identified within this second round of LAHF funding be delivered as part of the Councils 2022-2032 New Build Housing Programme.

   iii.         Approved that an indicative budget of £2,016,000 be drawn down in 2024/25 from the sum already ear-marked and approved for investment in new homes, to cover the costs associated with delivering 4 homes to serve as longer term accommodation, catering for the eligible cohort as defined in paragraph 4.2 of the Officer’s report and to recognise grant funding of £921,675 towards this expenditure. Following the meeting of this need the properties delivered will become general needs housing held within council stock.

  iv.         Authorised the Acting Chief Property Surveyor to approve the purchase of open market properties into council stock to serve as housing for the eligible cohort as defined in paragraph 4.2 of the Officer’s report, subject to consultation with the Director of Communities and the Chief Financial Officer.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Assistant Director (Development).

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendations.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.