URL: https://democracy.merton.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1741

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: This report seeks approval to undertake a property acquisition programme, to provide temporary accommodation for homeless household applicants utilising Local Authority Housing Funding (LAHF). The Local Authority Housing Fund was established to fund the delivery of homes to be used as temporary accommodation for homeless households and resettlement homes for refugees. The funding from the LAHF can be applied to the acquisition of properties that are available for purchase on the open market in the borough.

Content: This report seeks approval to undertake a property acquisition programme, to provide temporary accommodation for homeless household applicants utilising Local Authority Housing Funding (LAHF). The Local Authority Housing Fund was established to fund the delivery of homes to be used as temporary accommodation for homeless households and resettlement homes for refugees. The funding from the LAHF can be applied to the acquisition of properties that are available for purchase on the open market in the borough. RESOLVED:   A To note that the interim Executive Director for Housing & Sustainable Development signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in August 2024 to deliver Round 3 of the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF), with the sum of £7,171,473   B To approve the revenue budget of £56,113 from LAHF which will contribute to the acquisition costs arising from the purchase of the LAHF grant related properties.   C To delegate to the Executive Director of Housing & Sustainable Development and in consultation with the Executive Director for Finance and Digital (Section 151 Officer), authority to acquire properties and otherwise apply the funding under, and in accordance with, the conditions of Local Authority Housing Fund.   D To note the criteria and assumptions for the LAHF unit mix, which apply a portfolio approach to the delivery of the programme and set indicative purchase prices per property against each bedroom size. These assumptions ensure the proposals in this report do not provide a General Fund budget pressure and will be vetted and signed off by the relevant executive directors, as set out in recommendation C.   E Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Housing & Sustainable Development to entering into any legal agreements required to facilitate the acquisitions of the TA properties authorised by recommendation C.   F To note the service will undertake a procurement exercise to secure managing agents to manage the properties.   G To note the service will undertake a procurement exercise to secure repair and maintenance operator.

Date of Decision: June 23, 2025