That:

a)         The Council purchases four, one bed flats in Hereford City up to a maximum budget of £550K, subject to the s151 Officer being satisfied the appropriate heads of terms have been agreed, due diligence has been completed, and the purchase provides value for money.

b)         An allowance of up to £5000 per unit is agreed for costs related to the purchase and preparation of the flats. These costs include, but are not limited to, legal fees, surveys and a fire risk assessment.

c)         That all operational decisions in relation to delivery of recommendation (a) and (b)  are delegated to the Corporate Director Community Wellbeing in consultation with Property Services.

1.         Not to purchase the flats for use as temporary accommodation. This is not recommended as the council has a statutory duty to prevent homelessness and where homelessness does occur, to provide accommodation for people and families in housing need. Using council owned and managed units of accommodation is much more cost effective than using costly Bed and Breakfast (B&B)/ chain hotel accommodation.