URL: https://democracy.breckland.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2594

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To provide a grant to enable delivery of a young person’s transitional housing scheme in Breckland.

Content: To provide a grant to enable delivery of a young person’s transitional housing scheme in Breckland. RESOLVED that:   1)    Cabinet approve the award of a £1.2m capital grant to YMCA Norfolk to support the delivery of a new young person’s transitional housing scheme in the district, subject to compliance with the Subsidy Control Act 2022.   2)    delegated authority be given to Sarah Shipley, Assistant Director for Health and Housing in consultation with the Executive Member to finalise and enter into the Grant Funding Agreement with YMCA Norfolk and to complete all necessary arrangements for compliance with the Subsidy Control Act 2022.   REASONS:   Identified need and service gap: There is a demonstrable and ongoing need for supported accommodation for young people aged 18–25, including those presenting as homeless and those leaving care. Breckland’s Housing Strategy (September 2024) and analysis of the housing register have identified a gap in provision of young people’s transitional housing in the district.   Prevention of homelessness and improved outcomes: A supported housing scheme would contribute to homelessness prevention, reduce repeat presentations, and provide structured support to enable young people to develop skills, stability and resilience, improving longer-term housing outcomes.   Funding opportunity and value for money: The Council has already ringfenced £1.2m within the capital programme for the purposes of an affordable housing scheme. A grant can be used to lever in additional investment from YMCA Norfolk and Homes England Affordable Homes Programme funding (subject to eligibility and approvals). This creates an opportunity to maximise delivery and value for money through a blended funding approach.   Expertise and deliverability: YMCA Norfolk is an established provider with relevant expertise in delivering and managing supported housing schemes for young people.   Strategic alignment and legacy: The scheme aligns with the Council’s strategic housing objectives and reflects an opportunity for strong cross-organisational working, creating a positive legacy project for young people in the district, particularly in the context of forthcoming Local Government Reorganisation.   The Breckland Housing Strategy identifies four priorities to meeting the districts’ housing need, and this proposal would meet two of these priorities for our residents:   ·         Priority 1: Increase the supply and diversity of affordable housing to ensure the right types of housing are available in the right places. ·         Priority 4: Support vulnerable residents to access suitable homes and have housing choice.   The ‘Do nothing’ option does not address housing need: The option of taking no action would not address the identified service gap, would maintain pressure on temporary accommodation and housing resources, and would miss the opportunity to progress a preventative housing pathway for vulnerable young people.   1)    Approve the award of a £1.2m capital grant to YMCA Norfolk to support the delivery of a new young person’s transitional housing scheme in the district, subject to compliance with the Subsidy Control Act 2022.   2)    Delegate authority to Sarah Shipley, Assistant Director for Health and Housing in consultation with the Executive Member to finalise and enter into the Grant Funding Agreement with YMCA Norfolk and to complete all necessary arrangements for compliance with the Subsidy Control Act 2022.   3)    Do nothing  

Date of Decision: May 11, 2026