Decision details

Notice is hereby given that the Cabinet of Tunbridge Wells intends to make a Key Decision in respect of the following matter with less than the 28 days’ notice require by Regulation 9 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, Regulation 10 as compliance is impractical for the reasons set out below.  Furthermore, notice is hereby given that prior notice of the same has been given to the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The report will seek authority to participate in the Department for Levelling-Up, Housing and Communities’ Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) to access funding of £1.96m to provide accommodation to families with housing needs who have arrived in the UK via Ukrainian and Afghan resettlement and relocation schemes.

RESOLVED –

1. That the Council’s participation in the Local Authority Housing Fund be approved.

2. That the release of up to £3.2m in S106 commuted sums be used for the purpose of providing affordable housing in the Borough, as the Council’s capital contribution to deliver 15 properties in line with the Local Authority Housing Fund’s objectives be approved.

3. That delegated authority be given to the Head of Housing, Health and Environment to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) be approved.

4. That delegated authority be given to the Head of Housing, Health and Environment, consultation with the Director of Finance, Policy and Development, the Director of Change and Communities, the Head of Mid Kent Legal Services, and Portfolio Holder for Housing and Planning, to negotiate and enter into any legal documents, contracts or partnership agreements to acquire and deliver the 15 properties be approved. 

REASON FOR DECISION:

To enable the Council to deliver 15 units of affordable housing, initially to mitigate against increased housing and homelessness pressures arising from Ukrainian and Afghan nationals, and to also support the ongoing housing and homelessness needs of residents within the Tunbridge Wells Borough. 

CALL-IN AND URGENCY

In accordance with the provisions Of Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rule 14 in Part 4 of the Constitution, the Chairman of Overview and Scrutiny gave prior agreement that this decision was urgent and would not be subject to call-in as delay would seriously prejudice the Council’s or the public’s interest.