Issue - items at meetings - 10 Year Leasing - Temporary Accommodation

Report of Director of Adult Social Care & Housing (copy attached).

(1)               That the Council be authorised to enter into leases for up to 10 years in accordance with the terms of the report.

(2)       That authority be delegated to the Director of Adult Social Care & Housing to negotiate the final Heads of Terms with each landlord in consultation with the Council’s Valuer, the Head of Law and Finance and Property.

127.1  The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Director of Adult Social Care & Housing which sought a general authority for the Director of Adult Social Care & Housing to enter into leases and Management Agreements of up to 10 years for the purposes of providing accommodation for households who would otherwise be homeless or overcrowded (for copy see minute book).

127.2  The scheme would provide an alternative to the existing shorter-term arrangements the council uses for leasing property thereby providing more settled and secure accommodation.

127.3  Councillor Randall thought the proposals to be a good idea but in reference to paragraph 3.2 of the report he asked about the standard expected of a landlord before taking on a long lease.   He stressed that there should be decent standards and that standards needed to be maintained. 

127.4  Councillor Simpson agreed that the proposals were a good idea and also referred to paragraph 3.2.  There would be advantages to the landlord as a predictable income was guaranteed.  She asked if the scheme ensured that any major damages to the properties would be repaired.

127.5  The Head of Temporary Accommodation and Adaptations replied that property standards were set so that the property was viable for 10 years.  If the property was damaged by tenants then the council would carry out the repairs.  However, the landlord was responsible for structural repairs.   All the properties involved in the scheme would be brought up to the required set of standards.  

127.6  The Cabinet Member considered the proposals to be a helpful step forward.  She stressed the need for decent homes in the private sector. 

127.7  RESOLVED -  Having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Member accepted the following recommendations:

(1)  That the Council be authorised to enter into leases for up to 10 years in accordance with the terms of the report.

(2)       That authority be delegated to the Director of Adult Social Care & Housing to negotiate the final Heads of Terms with each landlord in consultation with the Council’s Valuer, the Head of Law and Finance and Property.