Purpose

Lindum Terrace is a 12-bed Council-owned property currently leased to South Yorkshire Housing Association (SYHA), which sub-leases it to Rush House, a charity providing supported accommodation for 16–25-year-olds since 1985. SYHA plans to relinquish the lease, and in response, Rush House has requested a direct lease with the Council in order to maintain service continuity to the vulnerable tenants and avoid requiring them to vacate.

Decision

ROTHERHAM METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

RECORD OF OFFICER EXECUTIVE DECISION

Date of Decision:

07/07/2026

Title:

New Lease Arrangement: Lindum Terrace

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

Ian Spicer

Executive Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health

Details of Specific Delegation

or

Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

The Executive Director of Adult Care, Housing

and Public Health has delegated functions, as

set out within the Council’s Constitution,

Appendix 9 - Responsibility for Functions section 4C3.

The Executive Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health is authorised to discharge executive functions through the commissioning and provision of social services for adults and public health services for the whole population and delivery of housing for the Borough, including:-

1. Housing

(e) Housing Strategy and Investment

Decision:

To enter into a new lease agreement between RMBC and Rush House upon the surrender of South Yorkshire Housing's existing lease with RMBC at 12 Lindum Terrace.

Reasons for the Decision:

The decision to issue a new lease directly to Rush House following SYHA’s relinquishment of its lease was made to ensure the continuity of a well-established supported housing service for vulnerable young people aged 16–25. Rush House has successfully operated from Lindum Terrace for a long period of time and provides specialist accommodation as part of the Council’s commissioned homelessness pathway through Roundabout. A direct lease avoids the displacement of current residents, protects the Council’s ability to meet its statutory duties to vulnerable young people, including care leavers, and preserves a specialist service that cannot easily be replicated elsewhere due to its Ofsted registration and established support model.

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

The other alternative option was to return the property to the Council and cease the current supported housing provision. This option was rejected because it would have required the displacement of the 12 vulnerable young people currently living at Lindum Terrace, many of whom have complex support needs and are not ready for independent accommodation. It would also have reduced the availability of specialist supported housing within the borough, placing additional pressure on homelessness services and impacting the Council’s ability to meet its statutory duties to vulnerable young people, including care leavers. While alternative accommodation within the Roundabout pathway was considered, this would reduce overall service capacity and would not provide suitable provision for 16–17-year-olds requiring Ofsted-registered accommodation.

Conflicts of interest declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

None.

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

None.

Conflicts of interest declared by the Decision Maker if they sit as a Cabinet appointed representative to an outside body which relates to the decision:

None.

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

None.

Reports or parts of reports considered

Sarah Clyde - DLT Briefing Paper - New Lease Arrangement: Lindum Terrace

Consideration was given to the background and rationale for the existing lease arrangements, the operational impact of South Yorkshire Housing Association relinquishing its lease, and the proposal for a new direct lease with Rush House. The report considered the implications for service continuity, statutory duties to vulnerable young people, financial considerations including Housing Benefit subsidy, legal and procurement advice, property condition, repair and maintenance responsibilities, funding opportunities through the Ending Homelessness Fund, associated risks, and the alternative options available. Particular regard was given to the need to maintain specialist supported accommodation at Lindum Terrace while ensuring value for money and minimising disruption to residents.

I certify that this is a true record of the executive decision to:

Enter into a new lease agreement between RMBC and Rush House upon the surrender of South Yorkshire Housing's existing lease with RMBC at 12 Lindum Terrace.

I confirm that in making this decision, due regard was given to the seven principles of public life.

Signed by the Decision Maker:

Dated:          7th July 2026

Name:          Ian Spicer                         

Job Title:     Executive Director of Adults, Housing & Public Health