Issue - decisions
Local Housing Authority Fund Round 3 Application
19/04/2024 - Local Authority Housing Fund Round 3 Application
Councillor Geoff Saul, Executive Member for Housing and Social Welfare, introduced the report, which determined whether to support a third-round application to the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) and sign the associated Memorandum of Understanding (‘MoU’).
At the invitation of the Leader, Councillor Julian Cooper queried the rationale behind the Council utilising Soha Housing to fulfil the requirements of the LAHF on behalf of the Council in respect of the delivery of a further 4 additional affordable homes. It was confirmed by Officers that Soha Housing were ready and willing to carry out the work on behalf of the Council, and that other providers did not have the desired capacity to carry out the requested works.
Councillor Geoff Saul proposed that the Executive agree to the recommendations as listed on the report. This was seconded by Councillor Andy Graham, was put to a vote, and was unanimously agreed by the Executive.
The Executive Resolved to:
- Approve the signature of the Memorandum of Understanding (‘MoU’) with government in respect of round three of the Local Authority Housing Fund (‘LAHF’);
- Agree to accept a proposal from Soha Housing to fulfil the requirements of the LAHF on behalf of the Council in respect of the delivery of a further 4 additional affordable homes;
- Agree to passport the funding received by the Council to Soha Housing underpinned by a funding agreement setting out the relevant grant terms;
- Delegate authority to the Assistant Director for Resident Services, in consultation with the Director of Finance, to agree to provide funding (if necessary) from relevant refugee budget to fit out properties to an appropriate standard for affordable provision as set out in paragraph 4.2 of the report.