Issue details
Agreement to enter into a lease to accommodate homeless households
I. Agree to enter into a lease for five years, with a three year break clause for a block of 71 flats in Merton at a cost set out in the accompanying exempt report.
II. Agree that, in the interim, pending finalisation of the lease negotiations, 54 of those 71 units of accommodation be taken on the Housing Options Service standard 28-day Head Licence
III. Authorise the Corporate Director, Development & Renewal, after consultation with the Service Head – Legal Services, to agree the final terms and conditions of any agreement to implement the above decisions.
Decision type: Key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 02/07/2015
This decision will be taken under urgency procedures.
Reason for urgency:
The Council has been presented with an offer to procure on a leased basis 71 units of accommodation in Merton. 54 of these units are ready to let immediately.
This is a scarce resource that will enable the Council to meet its statutory duties and that in addition to the potential competition from other public/private providers there is commercial pressure from the freeholder that means that the Council needs to conclude an agreement without any delay.
It will enable the Council to move 71 families with children who are living in bed and breakfast/hotels into good quality homes.
Anticipated restriction: Fully exempt (the whole report will be exempt) - View reasons
Explanation of anticipated restriction:
This item is partially exempt under para 12(A)(3) and 12(A)(5) as it relates to the financial and business affairs of both the owner of the block and the Council is entitled to receive confidential legal advice so as to protect its interests.
Decision due: Not before 3rd Jul 15 by Mayor
Lead member: Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing Management and Performance
Department: Development and Renewal
Contact: Lorraine Douglas, Service Manager Housing Options & Procurement Email: Lorraine.Douglas@towerhamlets.gov.uk Email: Lorraine.Douglas@towerhamlets.gov.uk.
Consultation process
Consultation has taken place with the host authority, Merton.
Has an Equality Analysis been carried out and if so the result of this Assessment?: When exercising its functions, including housing functions , the Council has a duty under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 to have due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination and advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. This proposal involves the Council’s exercise of its powers to acquire property by way of a lease for the purposes of providing for homeless persons. The allocation and use of those units for those households with family commitments will be determined in accordance with the statutory requirements to provide such accommodation, based on a number of relevant factors including priority need and suitability of accommodation. This service will, in accordance with the legal requirements, largely be of benefit to children. This proposal presents an opportunity to provide good quality, suitable homes within easy reach of the borough.
What supporting documents or other information will be available?: None
Agenda items
- 06/07/2015 - Mayor's Executive Decision Making 0103 - Agreement to enter into a lease to fulfil statutory duties to accommodate homeless households 06/07/2015
Documents