Decision details

RESOLVED:           1)       That the Council enter a Memorandum of Understanding with MHCLG based on the prospectus for the Local Authority Housing Fund (see appendix to the report). Authority be delegated to the Executive Director (Place) in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing People and Communities to agree the final terms of the Memorandum of Understanding with MHCLG.

2)       That the Council accept the total sum of £1,694,876 offered to the Council by MHCLG under the Local Authority Housing Fund to deliver the programme understanding the match funding requirements as set out in the report and attached prospectus.

3)       That, subject to agreement from West Norfolk Housing Company, the properties will be acquired by West Norfolk Housing Company, funded by the grant, debt financing and other available funding.

4)       That Authority be delegated to Assistant Director Resources & S151 Officer in consultation with the portfolio holder for Finance to agree terms with West Norfolk Housing Company for the transfer of properties on the Council’s developments including arrangements for deferred consideration if necessary.

5)       That West Norfolk Housing Company be requested to work with the Council to deliver the properties through the fund.

6)       That Cabinet agree to the principle of allocating 4 properties acquired through the fund to eligible Afghan households.

7)       That Authority be delegated to the Executive Director (Place) to alter the proposed Florence Fields tenure mix, originally agreed by Cabinet on the 17^th January 2023, where necessary, to facilitate the disposal of properties previously identified as Private Rent and/or Open Market Sale, to West Norfolk Housing Company (WNHC) as affordable housing

 Reason for Decision

The recommendations will ensure that the opportunity presented by the Local Authority Housing Fund to deliver affordable housing in the borough will be fully realised and will help to relieve pressures on the council’s homelessness services.