Decision details

To approve a proposal for First Wave Housing to offer supported exempt accommodation.

Prior to considering the report, Cabinet noted the representations and comments made by Andrew Hudson (as Independent Chair of First Wave Housing Ltd Board) speaking in support of the proposal for First Wave Housing Ltd (FWH) to offer supported exempt accommodation (SEA) to help care experienced young people, residents in supported living arrangements, and residents at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

In addressing Cabinet, Andrew Hudson began by confirming FWH’s willingness to play a key role in supporting vulnerable residents and seeking to achieve the dual benefits it was felt the proposal would deliver in terms of providing better quality support for tenants and also value for money for the Council.  Cabinet was assured of the detailed level of scrutiny undertaken by the Board in developing the proposals to ensure the scheme was viable and would not create undue risk to the service provided for other FWH tenants.  Having received those assurances, the Board was therefore confident in the being able to deliver the scheme as outlined within the report, which it was noted would proceed in stages with a formal evaluation at the end of the first phase.  This process would also be supported through the provision of necessary resourcing, recognising the change and level of co-ordination required with further assurance provided as a result of the Council’s backstop guarantee designed to mitigate any risk in relation to FWH’s financial position.

In concluding his remarks, Andrew Hudson confirmed that, having received the assurances required, the FWH Board remained fully supportive of the scheme and committed to its successful implementation.

Having welcomed the support expressed and the cross-departmental working approach being taken to deliver the scheme, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To approve that First Wave Housing launches and operates a supported housing scheme and request that officers vary First Wave Housing’s 2026-27 business plan accordingly when presented to Cabinet in March 2026.

(2)       To agree to work in partnership with First Wave Housing to provide supported exempt accommodation, including committing Council staff to meet the requirements of the proposal and signing a Memorandum of Understanding to that effect.

(3)       To approve the financial implications of the proposal as outlined in section 7 of the report, including staffing and legal costs.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 16 February 2026