Agenda item

Members heard from the Homes and Health Manager who provided an update on the third tranche of the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF 3). It was explained that the fund was announced by the Department for Levelling Up Homes and Communities in March 2024 proposing to fund more high-quality temporary accommodation for homeless families and provide housing for those on the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme. The Council submitted an Expression of Interest in March 2024 to LAHF 3 which proposed to deliver eight units of temporary accommodation and four resettlement units in the district. The Council was informed on 30 July 2024 that the application for a capital grant was successful, and was allocated £1,290,275 to deliver seven units of temporary accommodation and four resettlement units. On 17 October 2024, the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee approved the full business case for the project, including additional S106 funding to deliver the resettlement element of the project.

Members heard that, to date, three of the four resettlement units had been delivered by Acis through a Grant Funding Agreement. These properties were in the process of being matched to families through the Afghan Citizen Resettlement Scheme (ACRS). Of the seven units of temporary accommodation, four properties had been secured and were currently going through the conveyancing process. All addresses of the properties had intentionally been excluded from the report, to ensure the safety of vulnerable occupants.

It was also explained that two properties owned by the Council had been identified as being suitable to be repurposed for the project and agreement had been obtained from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government to utilise the funding for these properties.

Members again expressed their support for the project and the benefits it would bring to residents of the district. In response to a comment that properties were required across the area, not solely in one or two town locations, it was explained that following a recent announcement of additional monies for the project, there would be scope to extend into other areas within the district.

A Member of the Committee posed a question regarding the accessibility of properties under the scheme, and also enquired as to whether funds were best placed in renovating the two council-owned properties or purchasing properties elsewhere in the district. It was explained that property prices in other areas of the district were relatively restrictive compared to renovations on the existing properties, although the aim was for the scheme to be extended when possible. It was noted that the majority of need for temporary housing was in the areas where properties were being used or identified. Members were advised there were alternative options for those in areas away from the located properties, such as the use of AirBnB. The officer highlighted that the renovation of the two buildings in question brought additional benefits, such as the opportunity to be fully accessible for disabled occupants, as well as outside space for those individuals who may have animals, which often created a barrier to accessing temporary housing.

Having been proposed and seconded, and having no further speakers, the Chairman read aloud the printed recommendations and took the vote. It was unanimously

            RESOLVED that

a)    the progress of the project to date be noted; and

b)    the repurposing of the two properties owned by West Lindsey District Council, to be utilised for this project, be approved; and

c)    property purchases within this project be delegated to the S151 Officer.