Purpose

Purpose
The purpose of this ODN is to outline approval for the development
of The Haven, Specialised Supported Housing scheme. The six-unit
scheme is for young adults with complex learning disabilities
and/or autism, designed to provide long-term, stable accommodation
for individuals with high support needs who are unable to share
with others. It will be delivered by Elim Housing Association,
working in partnership with Adult Social Care and Housing
Services.
The council is investing £120k in the Haven from the Better
Lives at Home (BLaH) capital budget and this ODN also records
approval for the scheme development through execution of the voids
and nominations agreement. From Housing Services this is to reflect
that the development falls within the strategic priorities, and
authorised delegations of the council, and for ASC it is the to
note agreement from the Exec Director and Policy committee Lead for
the Director of ASC Commissioning to enter into a voids and
nominations agreement for the scheme.
Strategic Fit
The Haven is a direct response to a well-evidenced shortage of
suitable accommodation for this cohort. It aligns with both the
Better Lives in Bristol Plan and the Adult Social Care
Transformation Programme, and builds on the success of Elizabeth
Close, a benchmark scheme for this type of provision.
Financial Model
The financial model is beneficial for the council. With a total
development cost of £3.7 million, this will be funded by Elim
Housing Association capital, with additional Affordable Homes
Programme grant funding, and a capital contribution from Bristol
City Council, and will be delivered to clients under the Homes
England ‘Affordable Rent’ model.
Void Liability
The Haven will be supported by a BCC–Elim Voids and
Nominations Agreement, with void costs of up to 10% covered by an
element built into the Affordable Homes Programme funding. Extended
voids of more than eight weeks at mobilisation and 13 weeks after
mobilisation will be funded by Adult Social Care. Due to the
long-term nature of the scheme, voids are expected to be rare. This
model is considered significantly more cost-effective than current
models, where void costs are factored into rates charged to BCC by
providers.
A nominations panel will be in place to identify suitable service
users, ensuring rapid turnaround and minimal voids. There is
significant demand for this type of service, and this is expected
to increase in the future.

Content

To enter into a Voids and Nominations
Agreement (VNA) with Elim Housing Association, enabling the
development and delivery of six units of highly specialised
supported housing for people with a learning disability and to
provide £120k investment into the development from Better
Lives at Home capital funding programme.
These units are intended as long-term homes for life, and voids are
expected to be extremely low. Under the agreement, Bristol City
Council will be liable for void costs where units are unoccupied
and costs cannot be met through Housing Benefit or the Voids
Allowance. In return, the Council secures full nomination rights to
all six units, providing a strategically planned alternative to
residential care and private supported accommodation.
Authority to take the decision was delegated to the Executive
Director for Growth and Regeneration on 14 February 2025 by Homes
and Housing Delivery Committee (recommendation 3) and expenditure
is in accordance with the Finance scheme of delegations.

Alternative options considered

The alternative is to continue placing
individuals in private supported accommodation or residential care.
These options are more costly, offer limited strategic control,
often result in poorer outcomes, and frequently require out-of-area
placements. They do not support the delivery of integrated,
community-based care and are misaligned with the council’s
strategic objectives.