URL: https://democracy.southend.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1494

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To consider the growing demand for Temporary Accommodation across the City, and agree an investment plan for both temporary accommodation and settled housing

Content: The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Environment and Place) presenting the Housing Pressures Action Plan setting out a strategic investment proposal to reduce long-term financial liabilities, improve housing outcomes for residents, and ensure the Council remains agile in a competitive housing market.   On consideration of the matter recommendation 2.2 of the report was amended to read:   ‘2.2 Agrees that authority is delegated to the Executive Director (Environment and Place) and the Executive Director (Finance and Resources), in consultation with the Leader of the Council, Deputy Leader (Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing) and the Cabinet Member (Finance, Assets and Public Transport), to be able to act upon investment opportunities…’     Resolved:   1. That, in principle, a capital investment package of £100m over the next 5 financial years covering both affordable settled housing and short term suitable temporary accommodation provision, be approved, including:   ·     £10.5m increase to the existing Acquisitions Programme over the next 5 years for smaller scale purchases of existing homes (adapted and large family dwellings) and opportunity sites. ·     £85m for the establishment of a large-scale Strategic Acquisitions Programme for new build housing & Section 106 opportunities. ·     £4.5m for Temporary Accommodation Development Project including, where viable, modular and meanwhile use for sites awaiting development.   2. That authority be delegated to the Executive Director (Environment and Place) and the Executive Director (Finance and Resources), in consultation with the Leader of the Council, Deputy Leader (Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing) and the Cabinet Member (Finance, Assets, and Public Transport), to be able to act upon investment opportunities that will directly support in alleviating homelessness pressures via a Housing Delivery Board. This delegated authority will enable the Council to act with agility ahead of other local authorities, ensuring timely interventions that maximise value for money and accelerate delivery. Membership of the Housing Delivery Board to also include a representative from the Shadow Cabinet.   Reasons for decision:   1. This approach to an investment programme will allow for rapid decisions to be made and enable responsiveness to the market which the Council is currently unable to achieve. Through delegated authority we propose a Housing Delivery Board with Portfolio Holder membership to guide and agree individual decisions.   2. It is recognised nationally that most Councils do not have adequate suitable temporary and settled accommodation stock and the Council is no different. With long lead in times for increasing affordable social stock, we require short/medium term consideration of more temporary accommodation provision that can meet household’s needs and move us away from costly unsuitable methods. This will include accommodation to suite larger families, those who require adaptations and will take guidance on developing best practise surrounding those with SEN. This will be met with cross funding and utilisations of other appropriate grants where applicable.   3. Requesting investment into a mix of temporary accommodation and affordable settled social housing is very much in line with how other local authorities are seeking to manage the same issues. Several local authorities have made recent decisions to increase supply and/or acquire large sites to help tackle the demands on their housing services.   Other Options:   None.   Note: This is an Executive Function Not eligible for call-in Cabinet Member: Cllr Anne Jones

Date of Decision: July 21, 2025