Issue - meetings

Recommendations:

i)        It is recommended that the Executive approves entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to accept grant funding of £1,795,591 from the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF). This funding shall help pay for the acquisition of additional accommodation for 11 households from the Afghan resettlement and relocation schemes, and 2 homeless households requiring temporary accommodation.

ii)       To provide delegated authority to the Assistant Director of Housing in conjunction with the Assistant Director of Resources for the acquisition of individual properties for the scheme.

Considered – A report of the Corporate Director Community Development providing information on the third round of Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) funding from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government for specific needs.  Approval was sought for the Council to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the MHCLG for up to £1,795,591 of funding from the LAHF for the acquisition of 13 affordable homes to provide accommodation for 11 households from the Afghan settlement and relocation schemes and 2 homes to provide temporary accommodation for homeless households.

The Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing, Councillor Simon Myers, introduced the report and advised that the homes would sit in the Housing Revenue Account and would remain as housing stock for Council tenants once the original tenants moved on. 

Councillor Kevin Foster addressed the Executive and advised that the Afghans in the scheme were entitled personnel who were vetted before arrival in this country and Executive welcomed the opportunity to support those who risked their lives to help British troops in Afghanistan.

Resolved (unanimously) – that:

i)         Approval be given to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to accept grant funding of £1,795,591 from the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF). This funding shall help pay for the acquisition of additional accommodation for 11 households from the Afghan resettlement and relocation schemes, and 2 homeless households requiring temporary accommodation.

ii)        delegated authority be given to the Assistant Director of Housing in conjunction with the Assistant Director of Resources for the acquisition of individual properties for the scheme.