After the Committee had considered Item 16 in a private session, Items 9-15 were heard in a public session.

This report was presented by the Strategic Lead Housing, Marta Imig that sought to:

1.    Approve the proposed procurement of a Property Acquisition Service for the duration of 5 years,

2.    Approve the proposed bid for Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme (RSAP) for acquisition of six units and the associated revenue support,

3.    Delegate the appointment of the contractor to the Group Head of Community Wellbeing in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Community Wellbeing and Housing Committee; and

4.    Authorise the Group Head of Corporate Governance to enter into any legal documentation necessary to implement the new contract.

Marta advised the Committee that they had previously approved the Acquisition of Registered Providers Street Properties Policy in September 2021 but that the Council does not have the resources to administer the acquisition. Therefore there was a need for a Property Acquisition Service to be put in place.

Marta stated that the properties the Council were looking to purchase under the Property Acquisition Scheme would comprise mainly or larger properties for families and also properties that had been or could be adapted to meet the needs of a disabled person.

The Committee were advised that the deadline for a bid for RSAP was 13 April 2022 and that each Council could bid for 6-8 properties that would provide short term accommodation for a homeless person during which they would receive support from the Council. They would then be moved into permanent accommodation provided by the Council.

Marta suggested that the Committee approve Option 3 of the report that was to not approve the bid for RSAP funding, but to approve the tender in respect of the acquisition of street properties on only.

Proposed by Councillor Bateson

Seconded by Councillor Vinson

The Committee resolved to:

1.    approve the proposed procurement of a Property Acquisition Service for the duration of 5 years,

2.    delegate the appointment of the Contractor to the Group Head of Community Wellbeing in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Community Wellbeing and Housing Committee; and

3.    authorise the Group Head of Corporate Governance to enter into any legal documentation necessary to implement the new contract.