Content

To approve the renewal of a lease agreement
for the continued use of a property at Woking Road in Guildford as
temporary accommodation for homeless individuals requiring support
under the council’s statutory duties. (Exact property details
have been redacted for the purpose of safety and security of
residents).
The property at Woking Road has been leased since 2015 to provide
temporary accommodation under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996. The
property provides 4 rooms for single men or women. The lease has
expired and renewal is necessary to maintain capacity in the
council’s temporary accommodation portfolio and meet current
housing demand pressures.

Reasons for the decision

The council has a legal obligation to provide
temporary accommodation to eligible homeless applicants. Demand for
temporary accommodation remains high due to homelessness pressures,
cost of living impacts, and private sector affordability issues.
The property remains in good condition, meets health and safety
standards, and is well-located with access to local services. The
proposed terms represent reasonable market value, and renewing the
lease avoids the higher cost and logistical challenge of sourcing
new accommodation. This decision supports the council's obligations
to provide accommodation to vulnerable households, including those
with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.Legal
Services will be instructed to complete the lease
documentation.

Alternative options considered

Alternative would be to seek to procure
alternative accommodation which is considered not to be value for
money or in the best interest of our residents when this property
is established and successful as temporary housing provision.