Purpose

OneYMCA currently lease a 40-bedroom
accommodation facility at Brindle Court from Harts Homes, with the
existing lease and Support Service Level Agreement (SLA) ending on
31 March 2025. The facility provides accommodation for single
homeless households with complex needs.
OneYMCA provides on-site housing-related support and grants Watford
Borough Council nomination rights to the accommodation. To sustain
staffing levels and access the specialist support required for
residents with complex needs, a Council grant is necessary.
OneYMCA plan to sign a further five-year lease with Harts Homes.
Should the Council wish to continue nominating residents with
complex needs to this accommodation for the duration of the new
lease, a new SLA and grant will be required. The SLA will clearly
set out the support to be provided by OneYMCA and confirm the
Council’s nomination rights.

Decision

To be made 23/2

Alternative options considered

Option 1 – Agree a new SLA with
associated grant funding aligned to the terms and duration of the
proposed five-year lease. This would ensure continuity of support
for residents, maintain the Council’s nomination rights, and
secure access to the facility for single households with complex
needs for the full lease period.
Option 2 – Do not agree a new SLA or provide grant funding.
The Council would forgo nomination rights and the ability to use
the facility for single households with complex needs. Existing
tenants may need to be relocated to other accommodation, reducing
overall temporary accommodation access, increasing reliance on
B&B provision, and potentially impacting community
safety.