URL: https://democracy.crawley.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=867

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: This report seeks Cabinet approval for the implementation of two capital schemes, the budgets for which have already been approved: the Temporary Accommodation (TA) Acquisition Programme and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Acquisition Programme. It also seeks relevant delegated authorities

Content: Exempt Paragraph 3 Information relating to financial and business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information)     RESOLVED   That the Cabinet:   a)           approves the approach as outlined in Option 3 at section 6.1.3 of report SHAP/099 and delegate authority to the Head of Strategic Housing, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Housing and the Head of Corporate Finance to undertake all procurement tendering exercises required to appoint contractors, suppliers, or consultants necessary to deliver works in accordance with the Procurement Code. (Generic Delegations 2 & 3 will be used to enact this recommendation).   b)           delegates authority to the Leader of the Council, in consultation with Head of Strategic Housing, the Cabinet Member for Housing, Head of Corporate Finance and Head of Law and Governance, to approve the award of contracts following an appropriate procurement process.   That the Full Council be recommended to approve a constitutional change to the Financial Procedure Rules in relation to the purchase of land/property for housing delivery and temporary accommodation, namely that the Financial Approval Levels set out in Section J of the Financial and Budget Procedure Rules be amended to:   i.                   authorise the Head of Crawley Homes and/or Head of Strategic Housing in agreement with the Head of Corporate Finance to purchase land/property for housing delivery (within the limits of the Housing Revenue Account Budget) and to purchase land/property for temporary accommodation (within the limits of the Temporary Accommodation Acquisitions Budget, and   ii.                 include in the ‘condition list’ (**) of Section J the ability to acquire land/property via those readily available on the market (including market acquisitions of individual dwellings).     Reasons for the Recommendations   a)                Crawley continues to face unprecedented pressures within its temporary accommodation system, with over 640 households currently accommodated, including 424 in nightly-paid accommodation and 171 placed out of borough. Nightly-paid costs exceed £200,000 per week, and this is placing extreme pressure on the General Fund.   b)                The HRA Acquisition Programme addresses the severe shortage of larger family homes. More than 230 families are waiting for a four-bedroom property, yet only 12 such homes became available in 2024. The development pipeline, though delivering 500 new homes by 2028, will include only 22 four-bedroom properties. This mismatch is causing long waits of up to 10 years and increasing overcrowding. Delegated authority is essential to enable timely procurement, acquisition and delivery, ensuring the Council can respond quickly to market opportunities and avoid unnecessary delays.   c)                It is necessary to ensure officers have the relevant delegations and resources to negotiate and agree acquisition of homes, appoint the relevant professionals to ensure value for money and legal compliance, and ensure that the homes are safe and ready for habitation.  

Date of Decision: March 11, 2026