Decision

1. 1 The Strategic Director of Housing, Communities and Environment:
   
   2.1.1 Notes the receipt of new burdens grant funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in the amount of £45,491 by Waverley Borough Council and in the amount of £64,010 by Guildford Borough Council, to be used as a contribution toward the cost of a Surrey-wide supported housing mapping exercise as set out in the MoU; and
   
   2.1.2 Approves (i) the contents of the MoU between the Surrey Councils and (ii) the entering into the MoU by Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council.
   
   

Reasons for the decision

3.1 The Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023 introduced a new statutory duty for local authorities to formulate and publish a Local Supported Housing Strategy. The strategy requires collaboration with partners to understand the local landscape of supported housing, including supply, unmet need and future demand, and to develop a strategy which sets out the direction of travel to meet identified need.

3.2 The Government guidance states that ‘Local authorities are encouraged to develop strategies at a strategic or combined authority level – either in preparation for transitioning to single-tier authorities under Local Government Reorganisation plans, or to collaborate with neighbouring authorities to pool and allocate resources more effectively.’

3.3 A Supported Housing Strategy is required for publication by 31st March 2027. Additionally, a full needs assessment is required on which to evidence the strategy. The needs assessment must be carried out in line with the methodology set out in MHCLG Supported Housing; National Statement of Expectations

Alternative options considered

None