Purpose

To seek delegated approval to acquire and
develop sites to meet our critical housing need across
Herefordshire, enabling a quick response as opportunities arise,
subject to the completion of a due diligence business case. In July
2024 full council approved an outline business case (appendix 1) to
add £5m to the capital programme to enable the council to
develop the critical housing provision we need in the county. The
council faces an increasing demand for social housing provision,
there is a lack of local provision to meet this need, as such
people are being placed in temporary accommodation which
isn’t fit for purpose and has significant additional
costs.

Decision

That:
 
a) The Corporate Director for Economy and
Environment or the Corporate Director of
Community Wellbeing in consultation with the
Cabinet Member for Economy and
Growth and the Director for Finance, to be
given delegated authority to draw down and
up to £5 million (capital) of the
Acquisition Fund for Housing Provision allocation, and
 
b) make all required operational decisions to
acquire and develop sites to meet our critical social and
affordable housing need