Cabinet, on 9 August 2023, resolved to:

1.       Approve the Council’s participation in the Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP) in order to purchase 12 new units for Housing First alongside commissioning support for a total of 17 units, including 5 units drawn from general needs stock; and

4.       Delegate authority to the Executive Director (Communities and People) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing; the Head of Financial Services/Section 151 Officer; and the Head of Law and Governance/Monitoring Officer, to enter into agreements and contracts to facilitate the purchase by the Council of housing (to be held in the HRA) within the identified budget and within the project approval, as well as to enter into or amend agreements or contracts in relation to support provision (revenue spend) in line with procurement requirements.

Council, on 2 October 2023, resolved to:

1.       Approve the allocation of a £2,888,000 capital budget (of which £1,688,000 will be borrowed by the Housing Revenue Account) for the Council’s investment to purchase the properties as part of the Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme as outlined in paragraph 19, the balance of which will be met by the SHAP grant; and

2.       Approve a budget allocation of £600,000 to cover revenue costs to commission support providers to deliver support for the 17 units of Housing First.  The funding equates to 3 years’ worth of revenue but is spread over 4 financial years (paragraph 18).

To enter into a grant agreement with Homes England in relation to the Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme 2023-2028.

The decision will support and enable the delivery of Oxford City Council’s Affordable Housing Programme to help resolve the homelessness of some of the most disadvantaged in our community.  Housing First is an internationally evidenced housing intervention which has proven successful in supporting those with multiple and complex needs to maintain housing.  For a full analysis, please see the report to Cabinet dated 9 August 2023.

Not to enter into the grant agreement.  This option was rejected as it would result in a missed opportunity to deliver the benefits of the Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP).  It would also result in a missed funding opportunity and be contrary to Cabinet’s decision of 9 August 2023.

Decision taken by Peter Matthew, Interim Executive Director (Communities and People) in consultation with Nigel Kennedy, Head of Financial Services; Emma Jackman, Head of Law and Governance; Nerys Parry, Head of Housing Services; and Councillor Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing.