To seek delegated approval to acquire and develop sites to meet our critical housing need across Herefordshire, enabling a quick response as opportunities arise, subject to the completion of a due diligence business case. In July 2024 full council approved an outline business case (appendix 1) to add £5m to the capital programme to enable the council to develop the critical housing provision we need in the county. The council faces an increasing demand for social housing provision, there is a lack of local provision to meet this need, as such people are being placed in temporary accommodation which isn’t fit for purpose and has significant additional costs.