Purpose

Purchase of property at Lea Close (Local Authority Housing Fund Round 4). Key decision as purchase price is above the £200k threshold . This is being added to the forward plan in in anticipation that the Executive will support the Officer's recommendation to provide the delegation noted below at its meeting on 8th October 2026.

Decision

In accordance with the requirements of the LAHF funding programme, the Council will acquire six properties in the course of the four-year funding programme.
The Council must acquire two properties within the first year of the funding programme i.e. by 31 March 2027.This decision authorises the acquisition of both properties in Ash.

The acquisition of homes using LAHF Round 4 funding meets the Council’s Corporate Strategy by bringing forward ‘decent and affordable homes’ that will be used for temporary accommodation for homeless families or for families on the Afghan Resettlement Programme.

Reasons for the decision

This decision authorises the acquisition of two properties in Ash that the Council are required to acquire within this financial year based on the signed agreement of the memorandum of understanding between GBC and the MHCLG.
The properties have been selected in conjunction with the Housing Needs Manager who has confirmed they are suitable for Temporary Accommodation under the LAHF 4 programme. Other GBC properties, managed by the Council are in the vicinity for ease of housing management.
The properties' purchase price, pre-let works and associated costs are deliverable within the parameters set out in the viability appraisals.

Alternative options considered

Alternative properties were available and were considered for purchase. However, the proposed properties best meet the client requirements.