Decision details

Break is a charity that supports care leavers once they reach the age of 18 years. Once a child in care reaches 18 years it is a literal cliff edge as there is no support for them. They are extremely vulnerable and likely to fall into petty crime and if they do get a tenancy there is a high probability of failure resulting in homelessness and a poor tenancy record such as former tenancy arrears and possibly anti-social behaviour. To turn that around is an almost impossible task.

The government has recognised that and has, through the Department of Education, awarded Break £1.3m to set up a support project for young care leavers. The support project is dependant on them accessing affordable housing where young care leavers can live together in the community and be supported to ensure they can sustain a tenancy in a couple of years time, continue with their education and/or access employment and if needed specialist support services.

They have approached the Council and Cambridge City Council requesting to lease properties on a 5 year termed lease. Cambridge City Council have agreed one that is up and running. The proposed property we have identified is a 3 bedroom maisonette in Waterbeach which used to be the sheltered housing wardens live-in flat at 5 Chapel Close. It remains within the curtilage of the sheltered scheme but has its own access through stone steps and there is ample parking to the rear. For the past two years it has been used as temporary accommodation with no issues. It is presently empty.

The lease that Break would enter into with us is a full repairing lease whereby they would maintain the property including updating it as it is quite tired.

This Decision Notice needs to be signed by Councillor Bridget Smith as is in the Cabinet Member for Housings ward.

Agreed to lease 5 Chapel Close, Waterbeach to the charity Lease.

It is important to support initiatives that support sustainable communities.

No alternative options have been considered.