Issue - meetings

AGREED that Cabinet:

a)       note the progress of the scheme and the allocated budgets for 2024-25;

b)       approve the transfer of £17,033 from the Homelessness Reserve to revenue for the one-off items listed in the table at 4.3 (summarised at 5.2.3) of the report;

c)        approve budgetary provision a caretaker post, funded through service charges;

d)       note that costs of the caretaker role of £28,195 will be funded from the existing budget set for 2024/25; and

e)       approve additional budget of £30,000 for the purchase of a vehicle (subject to caretaker role approval) and inclusion into vehicle replacement programme.

The Assistant Business Manager – Housing & Estate Management presented a report which provided an overview of the Alexander Lodge temporary accommodation project and set out the proposed service model and associated costs. Alexander Lodge was the Council’s Newark offer of temporary accommodation for those who are owed statutory duties and provision of accommodation pending assessment as per the requirements of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. It was noted that the new facility was due to open in early March, four weeks ahead of schedule.

AGREED (unanimously) that Cabinet:

a)        note the progress of the scheme and the allocated budgets for 2024-25;

b)       approve the transfer of £17,033 from the Homelessness Reserve to revenue for the one-off items listed in the table at 4.3 (summarised at 5.2.3) of the report;

c)        approve budgetary provision a caretaker post, funded through service charges;

d)       note that costs of the caretaker role of £28,195 will be funded from the existing budget set for 2024/25; and

e)        approve additional budget of £30,000 for the purchase of a vehicle (subject to caretaker role approval) and inclusion into vehicle replacement programme.

Reasons for Decision:

To provide a strong homelessness support service that complements the investment in temporary accommodation in the District; improving the standard of housing available and extending the services available within and from Alexander Lodge.

Aligning to 24/27 Community Plan objectives:

·        Increase the supply, choice, and standard of housing;

·        Raise peoples’ skills levels and create employment opportunities for the to fulfil their potential; and

·        To be a top performing, modern and accessible Council.

Options Considered:

Alternative lesser service models could be an option, but this would have an impact on the service and its deliverables, management of the site and could lead to damage to the structure and wasted community space.