To approve the acquisition of a small number of residential properties in addressing a range of strategic priorities.

The cabinet member health and wellbeing introduced the item. Key points highlighted were that:

·        there had been a shift in the stance and approach to risk by registered housing providers and as a result it had become more challenging to find appropriate accommodation for certain vulnerable groups of people;

·        the proposed acquisition of properties by the council would enable appropriate housing to be provided for care leavers but could also provide support for other vulnerable service users;

·        each separate purchase would be subject to its own governance process.

In discussion of the item cabinet members endorsed the need for the council to be able to provide accommodation for these vulnerable groups. It was noted that:

·        the change in approach of registered housing providers was seen nationwide, with providers having more independence and focusing on maximising lettings to those who can pay the rent, they had become more risk adverse to poor behaviour and rent arrears;

·        the council provided reassurance to housing providers where possible to encourage offers of accommodation but in some cases providers were still unwilling to take the risk;

·        properties would be sought in the areas where need was greatest and where people placed would have access to the services and support they needed, however it was likely that as the policy was rolled out properties in the market towns across the county would be considered;

·        the policy would help the council to meet its statutory duties to vulnerable residents and also give opportunities for cost avoidance if not actual savings, without suitable accommodation and support over time some of these vulnerable service users would have escalating needs requiring more intensive and expensive intervention;

·        there would be a requirement for housing management, including maintenance, and this service was likely to be procured from a registered housing provider, which need not be one of the councils local stock holding providers;

·        the supported housing for young people project (SHYPP) was able to accommodate those with moderate support needs but not the kind of provision that would be delivered through this policy.

Group leaders gave the views of their group. There was general support for the policy and the following points were made:

·        it was disappointing that housing associations were being risk adverse and not looking after those people they were set up to help;

·        if the council were to build properties from scratch as part of this policy it should consider flexible layouts and inclusion of assistive technology to allay concerns of neighbours and provide early warning of problems;

·        the council could look at also providing secure accommodation as there was a high demand for this type of accommodation nationally and there could be opportunity to accommodate individuals from outside the county;

·        properties should be acquired sensitively in the right location and not clustered too many together;

·        the council should ensure value for money in its purchases.

Resolved that:

(a)         the principle of acquisition of properties to meet the needs of care leavers and other people with complex needs be approved,

(b)        authority be delegated to the director for economy and place, following consultation with relevant cabinet members, the director for children and families and the chief finance officer, to approve acquisition of individual properties including those with a value requiring a key decision, and subject to the usual capital funding approval processes.