Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director of Place, Planning and Growth, (copy enclosed, APPENDIX 1 to follow).

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Place, Planning and Growth seeking Members’ approval to acquire Friary Fields, Maldon, a property comprising six self-contained one-bedroom flats, for use as Temporary Accommodation (TA).

Members were reminded of the pressure nationally on TA services. It was noted that, if approved, the acquisition would increase the Council’s supply of in-district TA, reduce reliance on costly nightly paid and out of area placements, and provide a long-term housing asset that supports the Council’s statutory homelessness duties. The report also sought approval for a capital budget of up to £800,000 comprising the acquisition cost together with essential refurbishment and compliance works required prior to occupation.

The Head of Housing and Building Control introduced the report and provided further information regarding the Council’s duty to provide temporary accommodation, the current sustained demand for TA, the use of out of district placements and the benefits from the recent acquisition of Stephens House by the Council.

It was noted that the acquisition of Friary Fields would provide a further opportunity to increase the Council’s supply of TA, reduce reliance on costly out-of-area placements and improve housing outcomes for homeless households. In addition, it would provide a long-term housing asset which could support service delivery during and beyond Local Government Reorganisation.

Members were advised that the proposal was considered to be a prudent investment which supported both operational service requirements and the Council’s longer-term strategic objectives. The proposal would be subject to the satisfactory completion of valuation, surveys, legal due diligence and financial appraisal prior to acquisition, together with refurbishment costs once acquired.

The Chairperson then put the recommendations set out in the report and these were duly seconded.

In response to a number of questions, the Head of Housing and Building Control provided the following information:

·                the Council had made an offer to the Registered Provider and received a quote for the remedial works required in order for the building to be brought into use. Therefore, a maximum budget of £800,000 had been requested based on these prices.

·                The property would comprise six one-bedroomed flats of the same size and would be offered to residents of the District, rather than to persons from outside of the District.

·                The units would be used as TA as a stop-gap measure whilst the Council supported residents in finding longer-term housing solutions.

·                Any income received from the property would be used towards ongoing maintenance, and the Council was expecting to enter into a service level agreement with a Registered Provider that would manage the property.

The Chairperson then moved the recommendations which were duly agreed.

RESOLVED

(i)             That a capital budget of up to £800,000 be approved to fund the acquisition of the Friary Fields property and any essential refurbishment, compliance and associated works required to bring the accommodation into use as temporary accommodation;

(ii)            That delegated authority be given to the Director of Place, Planning and Growth, in consultation with the Chairperson of the Strategy and Resources Committee and the Section 151 Officer, to agree the final purchase price, approve the scope of essential refurbishment works within the approved capital budget, and complete the acquisition subject to satisfactory survey, valuation, legal and financial due diligence.