Provision of Housing Management Services at Thetford - Temporary Accommodation

There is a current undersupply of temporary accommodation in the Breckland district.

Following the consideration of detailed evidence prepared by Officers, Members are pursuing an investment strategy which looks to utilise affordable housing in the medium term to meet the needs of eligible households who are in greatest need.

The strategy is designed to reduce the Council's expenditure on bed and breakfast accommodation and ensure that suitable temporary accommodation is available to those in need.

The Council has purchased a building previously used as a Day Centre in Elm Road in Thetford which is being refurbished and remodelled to provide 18 units of accommodation. o 3 self-contained flats (2 x 3-bedroom flats and 1 x 2-bedroom flat) o 6 single rooms (5 of which are ensuite) o 9 double rooms (all ensuite).

In addition, the accommodation will provide shared kitchens, offices, laundry and communal areas including bathrooms and a garden and will be used as temporary accommodation for households to whom the Council has a duty under the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

The Council will require a management partner who will take responsibility for the day-to-day housing management services for the property including rent collection and repairs.