Decision details

Manchester City Council have sourced and started to use the Fairways Lodge hotel for their rough sleepers since Thursday the 26th March and we became aware of this arrangement on Monday the 30th March. Therefore the B&B is already being used for rough sleepers from Manchester to self-isolate.

I have been in contact with MCC to discuss this arrangement and following those discussion’s there is an opportunity to work in partnership to allow Bury rough sleepers to also be placed in this hotel.

The Hotel has 36 rooms and its been agreed with MCC that 18 spaces will made available specifically for Bury’s rough sleepers to use asap.

As at 6th April we have moved 10 Bury rough sleepers into fairway with the intention to move the remaining 8 known rough sleepers into the provision before Easter.

The hotel has 24/7 security to help manage the facility and to ensure the rough sleepers self-isolate within their room as required and lock down. There is also MCC staff at the facility to support the existing B&B staff and security. This is also be complemented by Bury’s homelessness team.

The cost will be £150 per night per person and includes the room, food, security and support staff. Initial discussions with GMCA are that there is an expectation and understanding that MHCLG will meet the full costs of all rough sleeper provision across GM due to Covid-19.

I have also received assurance from MCC that this facility will only be used for rough sleepers during this crisis and once the crisis is over their rough sleepers will be moved back to Manchester and the rough sleeper facility closed down. Bury’s ABEN facility will also then re-open to accommodate our rough sleepers as normal.

Lynne, Geoff and Cllr O’Brien have all been kept fully briefed on the use of this hotel / facility for our rough sleepers.

Therefore I request retrospective permission to use the Fairways Lodge to place and support Bury rough sleepers locally and to enable them to self-isolate and lock down during this crisis.