Issue - meetings

Interim Use of Minster House, Hatfield for temporary accommodation once the block is fully vacated.

The interim use of Minster House, Hatfield for temporary accommodation, once the block was fully vacated as recommended by the Cabinet Panel, was approved.

Recommendation from the meeting of the Cabinet Housing Panel on 16 January 2019 on the use of temporary accommodation for homeless families; the use of bed and breakfast accommodation in the Borough and the measures the Council was taking to address current and future demand.

There was an opportunity to make use of a decanted sheltered housing block (Minster House, Hatfield) for temporary accommodation during a time when the block would otherwise be empty and this should help alleviate the need for bed and breakfast accommodation.

Over the last eighteen months the Borough had experienced an increase in the demand for temporary accommodation and had seen a reduction in move-on options, which meant that both the occupancy levels and average length of stay had risen.

The plans which were underway to ensure the adequate provision of temporary accommodation including the acquisition of Inspira House, Welwyn Garden City, an office conversion to provide 54 units and the development of private sector leasing were noted.

RESOLVED:

That the interim use of Minster House, Hatfield for temporary accommodation once the block was fully vacated, as recommended by the Cabinet Panel, be approved.