To accept a grant from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) via the Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP) and the associated grant terms and conditions.

To approve the acquisition of a minimum of ten properties from the open market within a defined budget and to allow officers, following appropriate consultation and due diligence, to proceed with the acquisitions.

That:

a) The Cabinet Member accepts the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities capital grant of £910,000 for the purpose of purchasing a minimum of ten properties and a revenue grant of £478,615 for dedicated support workers and associated services;

b) Authority for acquisition of the properties and all associated operational decisions including authority to award contracts for improvement works and the negotiation of the lease to a housing provider be delegated to the Corporate Director Community Wellbeing.

Not to proceed with the purchase. The option is not recommended as the council has a number of statutory duties to meet in relation to the accommodation of vulnerable groups such as homelessness and children that the council are responsible for as a Corporate Parent.