Lead Member – Councillor Dean Carroll, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Assets

Lead officer – Laura Fisher

RESOLVED:

3.1 To approve, in line with the Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2024/25 – 2028/29, the provision of improved temporary accommodation provision, reducing the use of B&B/hotel accommodation to realise General Fund revenue savings in 2024/5 and 2025/6.
3.2 To approve the proposal to cease the previous business plan for the use of Tannery East as student accommodation, in alignment with the closure of the UCS function in Shrewsbury.
3.3 To note the proposal to submit a planning application for change of use of the Tannery East residential offer from student accommodation to use as temporary accommodation for homeless people, for a three-year period.
3.4 To delegate authority to the Assistant Director for Homes and Communities to seek planning approval for change of use of the building and undertake any necessary changes to the management of the accommodation.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Assets presented the report which set out a progress report on ending the use of bed and breakfast / hotel accommodation for homeless people as temporary accommodation and requested approval for the proposed use of the Tannery East building in Shrewsbury for a period of three years to provide temporary accommodation.

He reiterated that homelessness could fall upon anyone at any time and the council owed a duty of care, compassion and understanding to people in a vulnerable situation.

In addressing concerns raised about the location of the building in Shrewsbury Town Centre he acknowledged that the site was not ideal, however the building was ideal for this purpose with self contained apartments and secure access.   He referred to the Management Plan attached to the report which set out the arrangements with an on-site concierge, in house CCTV system and strict behaviour expectations.  Significant savings would be made through the reduction in use of unsuitable bed and breakfast and hotel accommodation and it would be easier to target help and support in one place. 

RESOLVED:

3.1 To approve, in line with the Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2024/25 – 2028/29, the provision of improved temporary accommodation provision, reducing the use of B&B/hotel accommodation to realise General Fund revenue savings in 2024/5 and 2025/6.

3.2 To approve the proposal to cease the previous business plan for the use of Tannery East as student accommodation, in alignment with the closure of the UCS function in Shrewsbury.

3.3 To note the proposal to submit a planning application for change of use of the Tannery East residential offer from student accommodation to use as temporary accommodation for homeless people, for a three-year period.

3.4 To delegate authority to the Assistant Director for Homes and Communities to seek planning approval for change of use of the building and undertake any necessary changes to the management of the accommodation.