URL: https://democracy.thanet.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5537

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: This report seeks approval to acquire seven further homes for the Council’s accelerated temporary accommodation (TA) programme. These homes, being constructed by Vistry, will add to the growing number of properties that the Council is using in the Thanet District, benefitting those who require urgent accommodation.

Content: This report seeks approval to acquire seven further homes for the Council’s accelerated temporary accommodation (TA) programme. These homes, being constructed by Vistry, will add to the growing number of properties that the Council is using in the Thanet District, benefitting those who require urgent accommodation. Cabinet agreed the following:   1.  That the Council progresses with the acquisition of the seven new affordable homes being built by developer Vistry as part of the accelerated temporary accommodation programme agreed by Cabinet in December 2024; 2.  The letting of these homes will be in accordance with the Council’s Temporary Accommodation Allocation Policy, approved by Cabinet in July 2024. The primary reasons for this decision include:   To purchase seven new build homes at Westwood Point for temporary accommodation use within the General Fund.   To ensure that households to whom the Council accepts a homelessness duty are housed within the district.   To reduce the Council’s reliance and spend on temporary accommodation owned by third party nightly-paid providers. Not purchasing these homes - which does not resolve the situation of having sufficient stock to house those who are in temporary accommodation (TA) need and who are based outside of the district.   Taking a smaller number than the seven homes proposed - better to have these homes as council owned as they will be carefully managed by the authority.   Buying the homes for the Housing Revenue Account not as TA in the General Fund - this is not financially viable as the homes only work financially in the General Fund.

Date of Decision: March 19, 2026