Issue - meetings

The report sets out the reasons for joining “Capital Letters”, a proposed joint endeavour between a group of London boroughs to jointly procure affordable Private Rented Sector accommodation across London, delivering at least the same level or potentially more PRS accommodation.

RESOLVED:

      i.        Cabinet noted the £39 million over three years potentially being made available by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government specifically for pan-London collaboration on the procurement of accommodation for homeless households.

    ii.        Cabinet approved the decision for the Council to join a letting company to be named Capital Letters London Ltd, a Company Limited by Guarantee that would be established by the London boroughs, as an A member.

   iii.        Cabinet to request that that London Councils put in place appropriate political oversight

Councillor Eleanor Southwood, Cabinet Member for Housing and Welfare Reform, introduced the report stating that the housing pressures on low income households in London have perhaps never been higher, and a more co-ordinated effort is required from Councils across London to source an improved supply of suitable accommodation to meet demand.

She stated that London Housing Directors and London Councils have been working on a model which would enable better outcomes for homeless / at risk households and for Councils.

Councillor Southwood stated that this report sets out the reasons for joining “Capital Letters”, a proposed joint endeavour between a group of London boroughs to jointly procure affordable Private Rented Sector accommodation across London, delivering at least the same level or potentially more PRS accommodation. The aim is to reduce costs and increase the supply of accommodation to use for the prevention and relief of homelessness or to end a main homelessness duty. One of the objectives is improved outcomes for homeless families.

Members of Cabinet discussed the need for political oversight of the Company.

RESOLVED:

      i.        Cabinet noted the £39 million over three years potentially being made available by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government specifically for pan-London collaboration on the procurement of accommodation for homeless households.

    ii.        Cabinet approved the decision for the Council to join a letting company to be named Capital Letters London Ltd, a Company Limited by Guarantee that would be established by the London boroughs, as an A member.

   iii.        Cabinet to request that that London Councils put in place appropriate political oversight