Issue - meetings

Consideration of recommendation CB 24/98 (4) of Cabinet of 3 September 2024.

This matter was considered in private by Cabinet and the associated report and annex have not been attached to this agenda. 

Consideration was given to the recommendation of Cabinet of 3 September 2024 to update the Capital Plan in respect of Round 3 of the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF).  Following a change in criteria and match funding arrangements, this was now considered a suitable funding opportunity for the Borough Council.

As a consequence of the deadlines required for Year 1 of the LAHF round 3, it would be necessary for the Borough Council to purchase property quickly.  To enable the acquisition of a suitable property once identified, the Cabinet recommended that the Capital Plan be updated to include an allowance of up to £400,000 as the Borough Council’s contribution to the Year 1 property acquisition. This was supported by the Council.

RESOLVED:  That the Capital Plan be updated to include an allowance of up to £400,000 (funded from the Temporary Accommodation Reserve and/or s106 contributions) as the Borough Council’s contribution to the Year 1 property acquisition.

(Reasons: LGA 1972 - Sch 12A Paragraph 3 – Financial or business affairs of any particular person)

The report provides details of grant funding opportunities offered by Round 3 of the Local Authority Housing Fund which could support refugee resettlement properties and temporary accommodation.

(Reason: LGA 1972 – Sch 12A Paragraph 3 – Financial or business affairs of any particular person)

The report presented details in respect of Round 3 of the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) which, following a change in criteria and match funding arrangements, was now considered a suitable funding opportunity for the Borough Council.  This grant opportunity would support the delivery of temporary accommodation and homes for use under the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme.

A Memorandum of Understanding (attached at Annex 1) detailed the number of units to be delivered and the grant funding requirements.

Cabinet had due regard to the delivery approach presented, the risk assessment, policy, financial and value for money considerations and the legal implications.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)          acceptance of the Local Authority Housing Fund Round 3 funding be approved;

(2)          authority be delegated to the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Transformation and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Housing, to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (attached at Annex 1); and

(3)          the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health liaise with the Director of Finance and Transformation, and relevant Cabinet Members, to enable the Borough Council to move forward with acquisition within the funds set out in the Capital Plan (as set out in (4) below) once a suitable property has been identified.

RECOMMENDED*:  That

(4)          it be recommended to Full Council that the Capital Plan be updated to include an allowance of up to £400,000 (to be funded from Temporary Accommodation Reserve and/or s106 contributions) as the Borough Council’s contribution to the Year 1 property acquisition.

*Recommendation to Council

(Reason: LGA 1972 – Sch 12A Paragraph 3 – Financial or business affairs of any particular person)

The report presented details in respect of Round 3 of the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) which, following a change in criteria and match funding arrangements, was now considered a suitable funding opportunity for the Borough Council.  This grant opportunity would support the delivery of temporary accommodation and homes for use under the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme.

A Memorandum of Understanding (attached at Annex 1) detailed the number of units to be delivered and the grant funding requirements.

Cabinet had due regard to the delivery approach presented, the risk assessment, policy, financial and value for money considerations and the legal implications.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)          acceptance of the Local Authority Housing Fund Round 3 funding be approved;

(2)          authority be delegated to the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Transformation and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Housing, to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (attached at Annex 1); and

(3)          the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health liaise with the Director of Finance and Transformation, and relevant Cabinet Members, to enable the Borough Council to move forward with acquisition within the funds set out in the Capital Plan (as set out in (4) below) once a suitable property has been identified.

(Agreed by Cabinet under Decision Notice D240091CAB)

RECOMMENDED*:  That

(4)          it be recommended to Full Council that the Capital Plan be updated to include an allowance of up to £400,000 (to be funded from Temporary Accommodation Reserve and/or s106 contributions) as the Borough Council’s contribution to the Year 1 property acquisition.

*Recommendation to Council