Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval for funding to be transferred from the Homelessness Reserve into the revenue budget to support capacity within the Housing Service.

The report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health sought approval for funding to be transferred from the Homelessness Reserve into the revenue budget to support the capacity within the Housing Service.

To enable the Borough Council to fulfil its statutory housing duties and respond to an increased number of housing register applications it was proposed that the capacity within the Housing Service be increased on a temporary basis up to March 2026.   The total cost of the proposals was £281,601 and could be funded from the Homelessness Reserve including from funds received in 2025/26.

Due regard was given to the financial and value for money considerations and the assessment of risk detailed in the report.   Members were advised that the number of assessments awaiting processing was at its lowest since the introduction of the new system in 2023 and there was the highest number of live applicants on the housing register.

On the grounds of maintaining adequate staffing levels to meet service demands and in recognition of the high number of housing applications, Cllr Taylor proposed, Cllr Betts seconded and Cabinet

RESOLVED:  That

(1)            subject to the approval of the gradings for the Housing Allocations Officers by the General Purposes Committee, the transfer of £281,601 from the Homelessness Reserve into the revenue budget to fund the temporary increase in staffing capacity (as set out in the report) be approved.

(Decision Notice D250048CAB)

The report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health sought approval for funding to be transferred from the Homelessness Reserve into the revenue budget to support the capacity within the Housing Service.

To enable the Borough Council to fulfil its statutory housing duties and respond to an increased number of housing register applications it was proposed that the capacity within the Housing Service be increased on a temporary basis up to March 2026.   The total cost of the proposals was £281,601 and could be funded from the Homelessness Reserve including from funds received in 2025/26.

Due regard was given to the financial and value for money considerations and the assessment of risk detailed in the report.   Members were advised that the number of assessments awaiting processing was at its lowest since the introduction of the new system in 2023 and there was the highest number of live applicants on the housing register.

On the grounds of maintaining adequate staffing levels to meet service demands and in recognition of the high number of housing applications, Cllr Taylor proposed, Cllr Betts seconded and Cabinet

RESOLVED:  That, subject to the approval of the gradings for the Housing Allocations Officers by the General Purposes Committee, the transfer of £281,601 from the Homelessness Reserve into the revenue budget to fund the temporary increase in staffing capacity (as set out in the report) be approved.