Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: March 11, 2025

Purpose: The report seeks Executive approval to purchase four homes, including three homes for temporary accommodation and one home for Afghan families using funding allocated through the Government’s Local Authority Housing Funding (LAHF).   The purpose of LAHF is to support councils to obtain quality temporary accommodation for homeless families, and safe and suitable housing for Afghan citizens who are fleeing persecution.   Fareham has been deemed an area with a need for this type of housing, therefore the government has awarded match funding to the council to enable it to acquire additional affordable homes for this purpose.   The Director of Housing will utilise an existing delegation to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, detailing the funding arrangements with the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government. Further details are included in the confidential appendix attached to the report.   The Executive is asked to delegate the authority to approve property purchases to the Director of Housing, following consultation with the Executive Member for Housing.

Content: RESOLVED that the Executive:   (a)  approves the purchase of four homes, to include three for temporary accommodation, and one for use for the Afghan resettlement scheme, using the Local Authority Housing Fund, and match funded by the Council with Section 106 monies; and   (b)  agrees that authority to approve property purchases is delegated to the Director of Housing, following consultation with the Executive Member for Housing.