Decision details

To seek approval from Cabinet to enter into grant contracts with the GLA, acquire 9 x 1 bedroom flats to house rough sleepers under a Housing First model, commission a new support service to commence in December 2021 and delegate authority to the Director for Community to award the contract, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing.

Having agreed to note the confidential appendix to the report, Cabinet

RESOLVED:  That

(1)            the Divisional Director of Housing Services, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, be authorised to enter into grant contracts with the Greater London Authority (GLA) for the Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme (RSAP) capital and revenue grants awarded to Harrow Council;

(2)            the Divisional Director of Housing Services, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, be authorised to acquire nine one-bedroom flats in Harrow to house rough sleepers under a Housing First model with a budget of £2,880,815 to include all costs associated with the acquisition and initial repairs as set out in the assumptions included in Appendix 1to the officer report, funded in part by the GLA RSAP capital grant;

(3)            the Divisional Director of Housing Services, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, be authorised to commission a new Housing First style support service to commence in December 2021 funded by GLA RSAP revenue grant;

(4)            the Director of Housing Services, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, be authorised to award the support service contract.

Reason for Decision:  To meet the needs of rough sleepers in Harrow and local objectives in relation to homelessness and rough sleeping.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  As set out in the report.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member/Dispensation Granted:  None.