URL: https://moderngov.fareham.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2774

Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To seek Executive Approval to the principle of joining the Wayfarer Consortium for the 2026-2036 Social and Affordable Homes Programme, to access grant funding for Fareham Housing new developments.   The Government confirmed the new Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP) 2026–2036 in July 2025 – the new grant funding programme for the development of affordable homes. Bidding against the new programme opened in February 2026.   The Council are currently a member of the Wayfarer Consortium (led by Abri), and it is through this consortium that previous Homes England grant funding for the Council’s affordable housing delivery has been obtained.   With the new funding programme from Homes England, Abri intends to continue leading the Wayfarer Consortium, subject to final grant conditions and revised fees for consortium members.   The Council will need to determine whether it wishes to join the Consortium at pace, as/when all the final details and conditions are available. There are also alternatives to Consortium membership that will still enable the Council to bid for grant.   Given the pace that may be required should the Council wish to join the Consortium, executive approval is sought to delegate that decision to the Director of Housing & Health in consultation with the Executive Member for Housing.

Content: To seek Executive Approval to the principle of joining the Wayfarer Consortium for the 2026-2036 Social and Affordable Homes Programme, to access grant funding for Fareham Housing new developments.   The Government confirmed the new Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP) 2026–2036 in July 2025 – the new grant funding programme for the development of affordable homes. Bidding against the new programme opened in February 2026.   The Council are currently a member of the Wayfarer Consortium (led by Abri), and it is through this consortium that previous Homes England grant funding for the Council’s affordable housing delivery has been obtained.   With the new funding programme from Homes England, Abri intends to continue leading the Wayfarer Consortium, subject to final grant conditions and revised fees for consortium members.   The Council will need to determine whether it wishes to join the Consortium at pace, as/when all the final details and conditions are available. There are also alternatives to Consortium membership that will still enable the Council to bid for grant.   Given the pace that may be required should the Council wish to join the Consortium, executive approval is sought to delegate that decision to the Director of Housing & Health in consultation with the Executive Member for Housing. RESOLVED that the Executive:   (a)  agrees the principle of joining the Wayfarer Consortium for the 2026-2036 Social and Affordable Homes Programme in the event that the Director of Housing and Health, following consultation with the Executive Member for Housing, consider it the most appropriate option for the Council; and   (b)  delegates authority to the Director of Housing and Health, following consultation with the Executive Member for Housing, to enter into any agreements necessary to enable the Council to access grant monies through the Social and Affordable Homes Programme.

Date of Decision: March 23, 2026