Issue - meetings

Report from the Cabinet Member for Housing Services is attached.

The Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth presented the Huntley House and Silver Street report on behalf of the Cabinet Member for Housing.  Cabinet were asked to consider a proposal that has been made by JDBR Investments Ltd to improve the two properties (Huntley House and Silver Street) and offer them out for the provision of multiple units of temporary supported accommodation for the relief of the districts homeless people who are also in need of support to enable them to maintain a tenancy and prepare them for a later move to independent living in permanent housing.

In response to a question regarding support for the vulnerable residents members were informed that they have a range of different provisions in place. Further discussions took place regarding utilising smaller landlords with empty properties.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1.    Noted the proposal being made by JDBR Investments Ltd and its opportunity and implications for the Council.

2.    Approved that the Council should enter into a 5 (five) year exclusive Nominations Agreement with the selected RP in relation to both “Huntley House” and “18- 22 Silver Street” enabling the Council to refer homeless people to it to include if necessary agreeing to indemnify the RP for any loss of rent in the event the Council cannot fill all the accommodation units within each property.

3.    Approved that the Council should procure and enter into a 4 + 1 year contract for the supply of Support Services to support those people who will be taking up residency in in both “Huntley House” and “18- 22 Silver Street”.

4.    Approved that authority is delegated to the Executive Director (Strategy & Transformation) to agree best possible terms for the Council in each contract.

Reasons for recommendations:

Reasons for recommendation(s) 3.1 There has been a significant increase of homeless single people and families requiring temporary accommodation and support to sustain their tenancies to whom the Council owes housing duties under homelessness legislation. These people are currently accommodated in B&B/hotel provision funded by Bury Council General fund as there are no direct allocated funding streams from central Government.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

This is a unique opportunity offered to Bury Council to deliver housing and support for homeless people. The only other option is to reject the offer, which will then miss the opportunity to increase the supply of better quality housing for those in need in the district and to save the Council significant sums of money.