The Cabinet of Brent Council met on Tuesday 7 April 2026 to discuss and approve strategies for increasing temporary accommodation supply and establishing an inter-authority agreement for telecare services. Key decisions included approving a long-term leasing approach for temporary accommodation, which is expected to deliver significant cost savings and improve housing quality for vulnerable residents, and agreeing to a partnership with Harrow Council for the provision of telecare services, enhancing support for vulnerable individuals and their carers.

Approval to Increase Supply for Temporary Accommodation

The Cabinet approved a strategic shift towards long-term leasing arrangements (10 years or more) with private sector housing providers to increase the supply of temporary accommodation. This approach aims to secure a reliable supply of high-quality accommodation in Brent and neighbouring areas, offering better value for money through reduced costs over time and improving the standard and suitability of accommodation for vulnerable households. Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Housing, presented the report, highlighting the challenging context of rising demand for housing support, with approximately 170 households approaching the service weekly. She noted that London accounts for over half of all homeless households in England, with a significant shortfall in temporary accommodation and a 75% rise in costs over the last five years.

The new strategy moves away from the current reliance on costly and uncertain nightly-paid accommodation. By entering into leases of 10 years or more, the council can secure greater housing subsidy and gain certainty of supply and costs, with increased protection from inflation and market fluctuations. The report also detailed that some of these models, such as the proposed Civic Nest scheme, will include wrap-around support packages for residents. Properties will be required to meet the Decent Homes Standard and achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or higher.

The decision is expected to deliver annual savings or cost avoidance of approximately £4.8 million compared to current nightly-paid accommodation costs, with an estimated 367 units to be secured. This aligns with the Council's Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and its obligations under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. The proposal also supports the Council's Climate Emergency Strategy by prioritising energy-efficient accommodation. The Cabinet agreed to delegate authority to officers to negotiate and enter into individual lease agreements.

Approval to Establish an Inter-Authority Agreement for Telecare Services

The Cabinet approved the establishment of an inter-authority agreement with Harrow Council for the provision of telecare services for vulnerable people and their carers. Councillor Neil Nerva, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Leisure, presented the report, emphasizing the importance of enabling residents to maintain independence in their homes. He highlighted that as technology advances, there is a significant opportunity to support this independence in a more responsive and effective way.

This agreement will maintain and develop services that use assistive technology to help older people and those with disabilities live safely and independently. The partnership with Harrow Council aims to build on existing arrangements, avoid disruption to current users, and benefit from economies of scale. The telecare service is not only for those eligible for funded care but is also available as a first-line offer to all residents who wish to take it up. The proposed contract is structured as a 3 plus 1 plus 1 arrangement, offering flexibility for future needs.

The agreement will cover alarm monitoring, emergency duty response, and the provision, installation, and repair of telecare equipment. This partnership is particularly timely given the upcoming national analogue to digital switchover. The estimated value of the contract is £0.65 million per annum, with an expected one-off cost of £0.2 million, totalling an estimated £3.45 million over the initial three-year period with extension options. The Cabinet agreed to delegate authority to the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Leisure and the Corporate Director, Service Reform and Strategy, to finalise the terms of the agreement. A minor amendment was made to the wording regarding delegations, changing delegates authority to the cabinet member to delegates authority should be in consultation with the cabinet member .