Purpose

To seek approval to enter into a further
agreement with Nottinghamshire County Council for the provision of
funding to prevent relationship breakdown between Sponsors and the
Homes for Ukraine guests and deal with potential homelessness
cases. Portfolio Holder approval is sought in accordance with
paragraph 7.2 of Section 25 (Financial Regulations) of the
Constitution.

Decision

THAT the Portfolio Holder:
1)Agrees to enter into a further agreement with Nottinghamshire
County Council for the receipt and administration of the
Nottinghamshire Homes for Ukraine Scheme Fund (previously the
Nottinghamshire Homes for Ukraine Housing and Homelessness
Reduction Fund)
2)Agrees that’s the Director responsible for Housing Options
(Homelessness) should continue to have delegated authority to
determine how the fund is spent.

Reasons for the decision

To ensure funding is provided to support
guests who may have housing needs including the risk of becoming
homeless, arising from the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.
To ensure that decisions in respect of those needs can be taken
swiftly without overburdening the Executive.

Alternative options considered

The district could determine not to enter into
the Agreement and accept the funding. This is not advisable as the
Fund provides vital financial support to the district to prevent
homelessness for guests which would otherwise have to be funded by
the districts. In addition, given the often-urgent circumstances in
which decision in respect of spending the Fund must be made, a
delegation to Director is considered to be the most expedient way
to ensure swift action can be taken. A continued presence from
Gedling’s Housing Options Team at the County/District group
will ensure that there is alignment on how funds are administered
across the County.