The Housing Development Officer introduced the report and outlined the purpose of the Temporary Accommodation Strategy in alleviating Homelessness across the borough. The total funding allocated to Phase 5 of the Strategy was outlined, which included the addition of the previous years’ underspend.

Phase 5 had been considered by the Communities, Housing and Environment Committee in early November 2021, as the body responsible for its implementation. The Council’s governance arrangements required approval from the Committee regarding the provision of delegated authority to the Director of Finance and Business Improvement, as recommended, to purchase the properties. 

The Committee expressed support for work undertaken and reiterated the importance of the Temporary Accommodation Strategy.

In response to questions, the Housing Development Officer explained the existing protocol whereby the Local Ward Members were informed of the Council’s intention to purchase a property within their Ward and a request made for any comments. Several Members of the Committee felt that further attention into any issues arising from the properties was required.

RESOLVED: That

1.  The £481,570 underspend from previous phases of the project having been carried forward to the capital programme allocation, giving a total of £3,007,570 for investment in further properties for use as temporary accommodation, be noted;

2.  The Director of Finance and Business Improvement be given delegated authority, in consultation with the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee, to purchase properties for us as temporary accommodation up to the total value of £3,007,570;

3.  The Head of Mid-Kent Legal Partnership be given delegated authority to negotiate and complete all necessary agreements, deeds and documents arising from or ancillary to the purchases of such properties on terms negotiated and agreed by the Director of Finance and Business Improvement; and

4.  The Communities, Housing and Environment Committee be requested to review the current temporary property portfolio with regard to the management of identified problems.