Issue - meetings

RESOLVED: That

1.  The Director of Regeneration and Place be given delegated authority, in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing and Health, to determine the exact size, quantum and type of temporary accommodation required; and

2.  The Director of Finance, Resources and Business Improvement be given delegated authority, in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing and Health, to purchase properties as determined by the Director of Regeneration and Place in Recommendation 1, for use as temporary accommodation up to the total value of £15.8m in 2023/24; and

3.  The Council participate in the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) in accordance with its allocation set out in the report, and for the Director of Regeneration and Place to finalise the deployment of these monies in consultation with the portfolio holder for Housing; and

4.  The Head of Mid Kent Legal Services be authorised to negotiate and complete all necessary legal documentation and formalities to give effect to these recommendations.

(See Record of Decision)

The Lead Member for Housing and Health introduced the report and referenced the £32 million within the Council’s capital programme allocated to purchasing and repairing properties for use as temporary accommodation. The projected spend across the next three years was outlined, with particular attention drawn to the Local Authority Housing Fund. The Council’s portion of the fund totalled just under £2.5 million and could be used to supplement the proposed purchases.

The committee expressed support for the programme’s continuation but felt that further oversight was needed from the Lead Member for Housing and Health on the types of properties to be purchased. To achieve this, it was recommended that the delegation to the Director of Regeneration and Place be given subject to the requirement for the Lead Member for Housing and Health to be consulted on the matter. In response to questions, the Lead Member for Housing and Health referenced the robust, open discussions they had with the Director of Regeneration and Place as part of their working relationship, and that they would like to purchase larger properties. 

RESOLVED: That the Executive be recommended to

1.  Give delegated authority to the Director of Regeneration and Place, in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing and Health, to determine the exact size, quantum and type of temporary accommodation required;

2.  Give delegated authority to the Director of Finance, Resources and Business Improvement, in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing and Health, to purchase properties as determined by the Director of Regeneration and Place in recommendation 1, for use as temporary accommodation up to the total value of £15.8 million in 2023/24;

3.  Participate in the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) in accordance with its allocation set out in the report, and for the Director of Regeneration and Place to finalise the deployment of those monies in consultation with the portfolio holder for Housing and Health; and

4.  Give delegated authority to the Head of Mid Kent Legal Services to negotiate and complete all necessary legal documentation and formalities to give effect to these recommendations.