URL: https://democracy.adur-worthing.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1150

Decision Maker: Adur Cabinet Member for Housing and Citizen Services, Worthing Cabinet Member for Housing and Citizen Services

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: WBC Cabinet Member for Citizen Services   That a 5-year (with 3-year break clause) service contract be approved with a private sector TA provider to acquire nomination rights to 19 ensuite rooms within a licensed HMO with on site staffing provision and shared cooking facilities for single people. Nine of the rooms will have the option to convert to private rented accommodation though the Council’s Opening Doors letting service.   That the Assistant Director Housing and Homelessness Prevention be delegated to enter into a service contract for the purpose of acquiring TA.    ADC Cabinet Member for Housing and Citizen Services   That a 5-year (with 3-year break clause) service contract be approved with a private sector TA provider to acquire nomination rights to 19 ensuite rooms within a licensed HMO with on site staffing provision and shared cooking facilities for single people. Nine of the rooms will have the option to convert to private rented accommodation though the Council’s Opening Doors letting service.   That the Assistant Director Housing and Homelessness Prevention be delegated to enter into a service contract for the purpose of acquiring TA.  WBC Cabinet Member for Citizen Services   We have an extremely pressing need for Emergency and Temporary accommodation in Worthing, especially for single-person households. Having such accommodation centrally in town is especially valuable, enabling residents to continue with their work and care commitments and their ability to draw on their social support networks for their wellbeing. The contract also offers built-in flexibility for some units to be converted into permanent housing for some residents through the Opening Doors letting service, potentially providing these units as permanent accommodation for residents as they are able. The break-in clause provides further security, should demand for TA change in the coming years. Ödül Bozkurt, WBC   ADC Cabinet Member for Housing & Citizen Services:   Adur District has a shortage of temporary accommodation and so it’s forced to use the private sector. Expenditure on temporary accommodation poses a significant risk to the council’s budgets and by using more cost-effective options to acquire suitable temporary accommodation remains an urgent priority. It’s prudent for the councils to minimise the use of spot-purchased accommodation and enter into a service level agreement with a provider to bring down the overall costs. The flexibility allowed with this contract provides further security should the demand change in the coming years. WBC Cabinet Member for Citizen Services   Alternatives to having such accommodation is spot bookings, which are not likely to be in-town or even in-area. This is far more costly and often detrimental to the wellbeing of residents. What the contract would allow the Council to offer is superior both financially and in terms of service quality. Ödül Bozkurt, WBC   ADC Cabinet Member for Housing and Citizen Services:   Not securing this service level agreement would imply that the council doesn’t reduce its burden of using expensive spot-purchased accommodation.

Date of Decision: January 14, 2025