Decision

The Cabinet has decided to purchase four homes through LAHF funding to aid vulnerable groups and strengthen the Council's reputation with central government.

Analysis

outcome: The Cabinet approved the acquisition of four homes, three through Vistry at Westwood Point and one through Barrett David Wilson at Spitfire Green, to add to the Council's housing stock and aid vulnerable groups.

summary: The decision at stake is whether to purchase four homes through LAHF funding for temporary accommodation and resettlement purposes.

topline: The Cabinet has decided to purchase four homes through LAHF funding to aid vulnerable groups and strengthen the Council's reputation with central government.

reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves spending public funds on housing and could potentially impact local residents and stakeholders.

affected_stakeholders: ["Thanet District Council", "Vulnerable groups", "Local residents"]

contentiousness_score: 5

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.

URL: https://democracy.thanet.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5401

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The report sought approval to purchase an additional 4 homes through the LAHF funding secured by Thanet District Council. The Council has been successful in securing another £632,100 to be spent on four properties - one for temporary accommodation and three for resettlement. This paper sought approval to proceed with spending that funding on four properties as identified in the report from two separate developers.

Content: The report sought approval to purchase an additional 4 homes through the LAHF funding secured by Thanet District Council. The Council has been successful in securing another £632,100 to be spent on four properties - one for temporary accommodation and three for resettlement. This paper sought approval to proceed with spending that funding on four properties as identified in the report from two separate developers. Cabinet agreed:   The Council proceeded with the acquisition of four homes - three x 3-bedroom homes through Vistry at Westwood Point for a total of £943,487, and one through Barrett David Wilson (BDW) at Spitfire Green for £360,000 with associated legal cost of an assumed £8,000.   The properties are provided as per the LAHF Round 3 funding criteria, i.e. one for temporary accommodation and three for resettlement purposes. The homes enable the Council to add good quality homes to its housing stock and aid vulnerable groups in the process. It also strengthens the Council’s reputation with central government who can see Thanet as a reliable delivery partner for new, affordable homes.     Though one option is to not participate in the Local Authority Housing Fund Round 3 programme, the points listed above and in the report were urged to be considered.   Additionally, not participating would require the Council to return the funding to the Government. This would not be viewed favourably when the Council is trying so hard to establish a strong rapport in respect of its own new-build programme and accelerated delivery programme.

Date of Decision: August 29, 2025