Agenda and minutes

There were none

All members are required to disclose at this point in the meeting or as soon as possible thereafter, any disclosable pecuniary interest or personal interest in any item(s) being considered at this meeting.

There were none

(NOTE: The Board is required to receive a deputation(s) on a matter which is before the meeting of the Board provided that notice of the intended deputation and its object shall have been received by the Borough Solicitor by 12 noon on Tuesday 23^rd August. The total time for deputations in favour and against a proposal shall not exceed 10 minutes)

There were none

(NOTE: The Board is required to allow a total of 15 minutes for questions from Members of the public on matters within the terms of reference of the Board provided that notice of such Question(s) shall have been submitted to the Borough Solicitor by 12 noon on Tuesday 23^rd August)

There were none

To seek the Board’s approval to waive the requirements within the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules for the procurement of a module to provide system support, updates and enhancements to the Housing Needs and Advice case management system, Locata.

Consideration was given to a report by the Head of Housing seeking approval to waive the requirements within the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules for the procurement of a module to provide system support, updates and enhancements to the Housing Needs and Advice case management system, Locata.

Members were assured that those who remained threatened with homelessness for more than 56 days would still receive support and relief work from officers.

Members were advised that this system was already in place and being used to provide the required Government data, and being funded by the Homelessness prevention Grant.

RESOLVED: That the Board approved the procurement of the Locata HPA2 support module for a two year period with the option to extend for a further two years in increments of one year.

To seek the Board’s approval to waive the requirements of the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules for the procurement of a Domestic Abuse Housing Advocate, who will be employed directly by Southern Domestic Abuse Service.  The Domestic Abuse Housing Advocate will be working within GBC’s Housing Service providing specialised support in respect of the Council’s dedicated accommodation and advice service to victims of domestic abuse under the terms of a Service Level Agreement.

Consideration was given to a report by the Head of Housing seeking approval to waive the requirements of the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules for the procurement of a Domestic Abuse Housing Advocate.

In answer to a Members question, officers advised that the advocate would be a full time role, very much hands on, based in the Town Hall. They would be offering family support, a drop in service and support to the housing team. With links to other practitioners it was hoped to provide shared learning for the team.

A Member wished to praise the additional work load that Stop Domestic Abuse had taken on in the pandemic and acknowledge that as they were due to take over funding of this role after the 2 years, it was a very good arrangement for the Council.

Members agreed that this role would be an asset not just to residents but to the housing team in terms of training.

Members were advised that the balance of the funding would be used for ad hoc training and potential spending on additional target hardening measures such as creating safe rooms.

RESOLVED: That the Board approved a direct award to the value of £49,500 to Stop Domestic Abuse to facilitate the employment of a Domestic Abuse Housing Advocate, for a two year fixed term to undertake duties and work detailed in the report.

To seek the Board’s approval to waive the requirements within the Contract Procedure Rules for the procurement of a rent guarantor scheme with RentGuarantor Ltd. to assist customers that are homeless, or threatened with homelessness, to access private rented accommodation.

Consideration was given to a report by the Head of Housing seeking approval to waive the requirements within the Contract Procedure Rules for the procurement of a rent guarantor scheme with RentGuarantor Ltd so as to assist customers that are homeless, or threatened with homelessness, to access private rented accommodation.

Members agreed that this was a useful tool in helping tenants access private housing, and would hopefully provide reassurance to landlords which has been a major barrier.

Members all recognised that there was a shortage of affordable rental housing stock and that the situation may worsen, but the Chairman reassured that the Council had a number of initiatives in place to support tenants.

Members wished to thank the Head of Housing and her team for producing three good reports so quickly.

RESOLVED: That the Board approved the procurement of a three year contract with RentGuarantor Ltd with the further option to renew annually for up to two years.