Purpose

To seek approval for the award of a Private Rent Rescue Scheme grant to Prima 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 tenant of Prima Group therefore preventing risk of homelessness and supporting the Council’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2020-25 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 C to Prima Group for the acquisition of a residential property listed in Appendix A of the report on the main terms and conditions referred to in Appendix B.

(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.