Purpose

To seek approval for the award of a Private
Rent Rescue Scheme grant to Livv Housing Group to enable the
purchase of a residential property under the scheme.  The
grant provided to enable the property purchase will allow the
existing household to continue to live at the property as a tenant
of Livv Housing Group therefore preventing risk of homelessness and
supporting the Council’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping
Strategy 2025-30 whilst also increasing affordable housing
provision in the Borough through the investment of section 106
commuted sums designated for this purpose.  
 

Decision

The Executive Director (Regeneration and
Economic Development) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for
Regeneration and Economic Development hereby:
 
(i)           
Approves the award of a Private Rent Rescue Scheme grant detailed
in Appendix B to Livv Housing Group for the acquisition of a
residential property on the main terms and conditions referred to
in Appendix A.
 
(ii)         
Authorises the Head of Legal Services to prepare and complete the
necessary legal documentation.
 

Alternative options considered

Do not purchase the property – this was
rejected. The current owner is intent on selling the property and
because of this has issued a Section 21 Notice seeking possession
of the property.  This means the tenants and their family are
at risk of homelessness.  Not purchasing the property would
result in the current tenants and their family becoming homeless
leaving the Council with further duties to fulfil under
homelessness legislation.  This could include the need to use
temporary accommodation and secure long term permanent
accommodation at a time when the Council is experiencing
significant pressures around homelessness and the availability of
housing to meet housing needs.    Not purchasing the
property would also be a missed opportunity to provide additional
affordable housing in the Borough now and for the future using
Section 106 affordable housing commuted sums secured for this
purpose, whilst also levering in investment from Registered
Provider partners to support the delivery of additional affordable
housing.