URL: https://democracy.croydon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2540

Decision Maker: Corporate Director of Housing

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The report requests approval to enter into a contract with Reloca8 for a period of 24months to allow the Council to carry out out-of-borough discharge for those in Temporary Accommodation. The Council carried out a pilot for the past 3 months with Reloc8 and it was successful and now the aim to expand the pilot into a 2 year arrangement.   Reloc8 have developed a unique portal which allows the Council to drawdown and reserve properties out of borough to nominate those faced with homelessness. The Council will be fulfilling its duty by identifying and providing affordable homes rented at LHA and ensuring households have more independence away from the Council.  

Content: The report requests approval to enter into a contract with Reloca8 for a period of 24months to allow the Council to carry out out-of-borough discharge for those in Temporary Accommodation. The Council carried out a pilot for the past 3 months with Reloc8 and it was successful and now the aim to expand the pilot into a 2 year arrangement.   Reloc8 have developed a unique portal which allows the Council to drawdown and reserve properties out of borough to nominate those faced with homelessness. The Council will be fulfilling its duty by identifying and providing affordable homes rented at LHA and ensuring households have more independence away from the Council.   To agree a 42 months contract (this period includes the 24-month sustainment period, with no new placements being made after 18 months) with Reloc8 in line with the proposal and terms set out in this report. The overall contract value is expected to be c£0.900m for the two-year arrangement and will aim to deliver the opportunity for c110 households.   The Council has an objective to ensure suitable and affordable homes are provided to those faced with homelessness and that the Council explores all options to find most suitable accommodation in line with the regulations.   A review of the market has been carried out and no other supplier is able to provide the exact service which includes the availability of the Portal services.   To note that the Contract value is £0.583m however it is expected that with variable costs such as Top-Up payments, move on and removal costs the total costs will reach £0.900m over the two years. Any further available budget will be applied towards more moves.   There are no other suppliers that can offer the portal service that Reloc8 do. This allows the Council to seamlessly accept properties, hold them and allocate households. Reloc8 also provide support and resettlement opportunities which includes tenancy sustainment. Therefore no other procurement route is considered viable.   Not awarding the contract and ceasing the service would lead to the Council incurring additional costs and miss out on the opportunity to provide an additional source of housing.  

Date of Decision: July 29, 2025