Issue - meetings

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Social Housing presented a report on the refurbishment of several dilapidated flats within the Council’s General Fund commercial portfolio which were incapable of being commercially let. Based on a successful pilot project at restoring one of the Borough’s oldest buildings at 35 East Street, Barking, it was being proposed that the Council lease the flats to a charitable community housing group, Habitat for Humanity, who would be responsible for returning the properties back to use to provide housing for care leavers at risk of homelessness.

Members noted that a consultation on the proposals had resulted in positive feedback.

Cabinet Members welcomed the report recognising that the Council was making a proactive effort to bring dilapidated units back into use at a high specification, which would enhance local communities.

Cabinet resolved to:

(i)  Approve the lease of 4-5 Royal Parade, 16a Woodward Road and 496 Gale Street, Dagenham, to Habitat for Humanity to provide housing for care leavers at risk of homelessness, based on the terms set out in the report; and

(ii)  Delegate authority to the Director of Inclusive Growth, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Social Housing, the Director of My Place and the Director of Law and Governance, to finalise the terms and enter into the leases, contracts and all other necessary or ancillary agreements with Habitat for Humanity.