Purpose

In March 2020, 23 Grosvenor Place was
repurposed as part of the Council’s response to the
government’s “Everyone In” homelessness directive
during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the
receipt of £1.2 million from the government, the building was
extensively refurbished to provide 20 units of high-quality,
self-contained accommodation for individuals transitioning from
rough sleeping to a more stable living situation. Since April 2020,
Julian House has been responsible for housing management and
personal support, collecting and holding all rental income. With
the refurbishment now complete, a more streamlined and
cost-effective operational strategy is required. It is therefore
proposed to bring the housing management and support functions
in-house.

Decision

(1) 
To transfer, and bring
inhouse, the housing management and support arrangement currently
provided by Julian House.
 
(2) 
To delegate all
operational decisions required to progress this decision to the
Head of Housing.

Reasons for the decision

Since the initial business case in 2020, and
subsequent unsuccessful procurement activities, the Council’s
housing management and support capacity has significantly
developed, particularly through the establishment of B&NES
Homes, the Council’s in-house Registered Provider. B&NES
Homes now provides a full housing management and support service to
33 units of accommodation, of which 21 units are supported housing
units. It is proposed to leverage this existing capability to
manage and support the 23 Grosvenor Place supported housing scheme
directly.

Alternative options considered

Do Nothing: Whilst the current arrangement was appropriate at
the time the Council needs a clearer strategic direction for the
operation and management of the scheme, which requires a more
formal basis that can operate within agreed financial
parameters.
 
Procure separate management & support
contract: While it is possible to further review and amend this
contract, it is unlikely to end in a successfully let contract,
given experience. However, more importantly, the in-house
management and support option now provides a better option as
detailed above.