Decision details

A combination of many factors including, changes in the housing market, changes in legislation and the cost-of-living crisis have led to a housing crisis in Cardiff. Temporary accommodation is full, and as a result of this a significant number of emergency accommodation units are currently being utilised by families and single people.

This report will lay out the current and anticipated further increase in demand, set out our immediate and longer-term response, detailing innovative proposals to substantially increase the number of new build temporary accommodation units across the city, and propose necessary policy changes

Appendices 1, 2, 3 & 7 are not for publication as they contain exempt information of the description contained in paragraphs 14, 16 and 21 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

RESOLVED: that

1.            a consultation process on the proposed policy changes outlined in paragraphs 34, 39 and 40 of the report, including the consideration of intentionality in making homeless decisions, the removal of areas of choice for homeless applicants on the Common Housing Waiting List and offering private rented accommodation outside the city, in neighbouring local authority areas be undertaken.

2.            final approval on implementing the changes under recommendation (i) above be delegated to the Corporate Director People and Communities in consultation with the Cabinet Member, Housing and Communities, following a full impact assessment and consultation with stakeholders.

3.            in principle the acquisition of the property identified in Appendix 1and the direct award of a new contract for the meanwhile modular delivery of temporary accommodation across the sites identified in Appendix 2 be noted and approved.

4.            final approval of the acquisition of properties and direct award of the contract to Wates set out in recommendation (iii) above and any ancillary matters relating to it be delegated to the Corporate Director, People & Communities in consultation with the S.151 Officer, Legal Services and the Cabinet members for Housing & Communities and Finance, Modernisation and Performance subject to:

·         Approval of appropriate grant funding being secured from Welsh Government,

·         Agreement of Head of Terms for the proposed lease arrangements with Welsh Government and Cardiff & Vale Health Board for the sites identified in Appendix 2 and in relation to the property purchase identified in Appendix 1.

·         Confirmation of a suitable financial viability assessment for each of the sites.

·         Confirmation that the decision does not result in commitments outside budget framework constraints.