Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: For Determination

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: July 22, 2025

Purpose: Proposal to refurbish existing Council asset Romford Road & Bow Street Road that aligns with the Newham Living programme approach that will help alleviate the growing pressures in temporary accommodation pathway for single adults.   The proposed refurbishments will provide alternative solutions to temporary accommodation by offering high quality, fit for purpose accommodation with onsite support to help address vulnerabilities that may have contributed to homelessness status and build the necessary independent living skills required to move on and sustain tenancies and preventing or delaying need for statutory support from Housing or ASC

Content: For the reasons set out in the report and its appendices Cabinet RESOLVED to agree to:   i)  Agree to the allocation of up to £2,054,000 from the Council’s HRA Capital Programme for the refurbishment of Property A. ii)  Agree to the allocation of up to £1,140,000 from the Council’s HRA Capital Programme for the refurbishment of Property B. iii)  Agree to commence procurement to secure a contractor to deliver the capital works at both properties. iv)  To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy & Housing in consultation with the Lead Member, Housing Services to award contracts for capital works with respect to both sites. v)  To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy & Housing in consultation with the Lead Member, Housing Services, approval of variances to these funding figures of up to 10%. Any variations above 10% overall will be brought back to Cabinet ahead of any contract award.   Alternatives Considered   a)  The Housing Supply and Temporary Accommodation Board has reviewed the use of these two assets against a criterion to establish the optimal future client group, with user groups in Adults and Health, Children’s and Young People and Homelessness considered. The criteria include considering layout, planning permission, capital investment required, size of units. The board recommends single vulnerable homeless is the optimal resident need group for these sites. b)  The other alternative is not to invest in capital works required to repurpose assets and continue to use temporary accommodation for single vulnerable adults via costly nightly lets. Therefore, the recommendation is to invest in the capital refurbishments to repurpose buildings to provide tailored supported accommodation that enables independence through gaining practical life skills, reduces isolation and instils purpose and belonging. c)  Property remains void and at risk of further dilapidations, risk of squatting or vandalism.