Issue - meetings

Option 3: To commission, develop and build 20 x two bed relocatable modular homes, subject to the related capital bid being approved by Full Council in February 2022 and the required borrowing being approved by the S151 Officer on receipt of a detailed business case, and any other necessary consents.

Option 6: If the Capital bid is approved by Full Council, delegate commissioning decisions and day to day project management to the Director of Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet member, to ensure minimal time delays to procure and deliver the 20 units of accommodation as soon as possible.

Members were looking forward to making a positive impact on islanders suffering homelessness. There would be 20 x 2-bedroom homes with affordable rents and running costs. They were of a high standard with around 60 years longevity, and could be moved to other areas. This would be a temporary arrangement and a stepping-stone to finding longer term accommodation. It was important to get families out of B&B accommodation, particularly those with children. The necessary authorisations would be agreed in February before moving the project forward.

It was hoped that more homes could be provided in the future if resources could be found.

The Corporate Scrutiny Committee had recommended that the Policy and Scrutiny Committee for Neighbourhoods and Regeneration should monitor the delivery of the actions set out and should consider establishing a task and finish group to look at other innovative ways of providing social housing.

Consideration was given to the report which sought the Cabinet’s approval to build 20 two-bed relocatable modular homes, subject to the related capital bid being approved by Full Council in February 2022 and the required borrowing being approved. The Committee shared its comments in support of the proposals.

RESOLVED:

THAT the recommendations be fully supported, and the Policy and Scrutiny Committee for Neighbourhoods and Regeneration be requested to monitor progress and be asked to establish a task and finish group on affordable and social housing innovation.