Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: March 4, 2025

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED: Cabinet;   a)    Approved the proposal to acquire the property without vacant possession (tenants in-situ) as outlined within exempt Appendix A based on the red book valuation, satisfactory due diligence having been undertaken and approval by the S151 Officer of a fully costed business case using Housing Revenue Account funding. b)    Delegated authority to the Assistant Director of Assets and Environment in consultation with the S151 Officer, the Portfolio Holder for Housing and the Portfolio Holder for Finance to negotiate and acquire the property by way of a surrender of the long lease including completion of the legal requirements, and consideration of the land being appropriated from the general fund to the Housing Revenue Account. c)     Delegated authority to the Director of Communities and Opportunities to undertake a compliant procurement process to enable essential works to be completed on the property once in the Council’s ownership at a cost not exceeding that identified within exempt Appendix A.   REASONS RESOLVED:   1.     The acquisition of the property will offer the Council an opportunity to continue the supply of affordable supported housing for individuals with additional support needs, as identified in the West Northamptonshire Council Housing Strategy. 2.     The recommendation is to acquire the property, without vacant possession. The rationale for the purchase of the property is to continue to support existing tenants who have or are experiencing rough sleeping and to be managed by Northamptonshire Partnership Homes 3.     The Council are currently commissioning Midland Heart for the provision of supported accommodation at the property. This commissioned service is supporting people who have support needs and have experienced rough sleeping or are at the risk of rough sleeping. This service is supporting people out of homelessness and into more settled housing. 4.     Several support providers have left the sector, resulting in a reduction on the number of bedspaces available across the area. In addition, some providers that are providing this support are not registered providers, this is impacting on housing benefit subsidy loss and is threatening the ongoing viability of the current provision. 5.     The number of people experiencing rough sleeping had remained relatively consistent in recent years, however, there has been a stark change to this, and our statutory monthly rough sleeping data is showing a growing number of people rough sleeping. 6.     The acquisition of the property will provide several benefits; including: ·       Continued provision of this accommodation and bedspaces as supported accommodation for those experiencing or at risk of rough sleeping and have support needs. ·       Supported housing not only provides a safe place to stay, but also the support people needs to recover form homelessness and is vital to help end / reduce rough sleeping. ·       This provision will aim to provide transitional housing and support that helps residents to move on to more longer-term supported accommodation and / or move on to more independent accommodation. ·       This provision will help provide stability to the Single Homelessness Pathway and will be a positive continuation, in addition it will support the wider pathway, which will include new provision at Broadmead Court (supported accommodation for high support needs) and move-on accommodation via properties within the RSAP/NSAP programme. 7.     The acquisition of the property would provide positive community impact and help the Council meet its strategic aims by supporting rough sleepers by providing quality provision of accommodation and help ensuring long-term stability and support for vulnerable individuals through the single homeless pathway. 8.     This property acquisition via the HRA could also offer flexibility of future use, should changing needs require a revised and different strategic approach. 9.     If WNC choose not to acquire the property or enter a lease arrangement with Midland Heart, it is anticipated the owners will explore these options with other providers.     ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:   ·       Option 1 – Acquire the property without vacant possession upon completion ·       Option 2 - Acquire the property with vacant possession upon completion; ·       Option 3 - Enter into a sublease arrangement; ·       Option 4 – Not to proceed with the acquisition or enter into a sublease arrangement