Cabinet Member for Housing

Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Residence Services and the above Cabinet Member.  The Cabinet Member for Housing introduced the report.

In response to queries the Cabinet Member for Housing stated that Sheerness and Sittingbourne had the highest numbers of homeless people in Swale in comparison to Faversham, so it made sense to focus on housing provision where the greatest need was.  The Cabinet Member for Housing stated that all landlords were responsible for repairs and maintenance of their properties and also utility costs, so the Council was no different in that respect.  They were also subject to the same risks to property. He confirmed that the savings made would need to be re-distributed within the housing service.  The Cabinet Member for Housing noted that the Scrutiny Committee would be reviewing temporary accommodation which would be an opportunity for Members to look at the service and the costs involved.

RESOLVED:

(1)   That the update on the first six months’ operating usage of the property purchased in November 2014 for use as temporary accommodation be noted.

(2)  That the purchase of an additional property in or around Sheerness to use as additional or temporary accommodation up to a cost of £200,000 within the current financial year be approved.