The purpose of this report is to seek approval for the implementation of the Temporary Accommodation Policy.

That:

a) The Temporary Accommodation Procurement and Placement Policy 2023– 2026 is approved;

b) Authority to be delegated to the Director of Community Wellbeing Directorate to make all operational decisions to implement this policy.

1. To not adopt the policy as recommended above. Whilst the Supreme Court judgement recommendations in the case of (TN) Nzolamenso v Westminster City Council (2 April 2015) are not a statutory requirement, they are considered to be best practice and a failure by Herefordshire Council to adopt them, could make it harder for the Council to defend its actions, if challenged through the courts.

2. Mini competitions to secure Temporary Accommodation have been discounted as they are deemed to be too time intensive each time temporary accommodation is required and not able to be operated with sufficient dynamism.

3. A Dynamic Purchasing System was considered and has been discounted as it is deemed to add unnecessary layers of administration to the work of the Temporary Accommodation Team.