Issue details

Granting of a Lease to Break

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.

Decision type: Non-key

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Wards affected: Milton & Waterbeach;

Notice of proposed decision first published: 23/01/2019

Decision due: 23 January 2019 by Lead Cabinet member for Housing

Lead member: Lead Cabinet member for Housing

Lead director: Health and Environmental Services Director

Contact: Anita Goddard, Housing Operational Services Manager 01954 713040 Email: anita.goddard@scambs.gov.uk.

Consultees

Councillors Hazel Smith, Judith Rippeth and Anna Bradnam were consulted by email sent on 6 December 2018. A few questions were asked with Councillor Hazel Smith declaring that all Councillors were in favour on  17 December 2018.

 

Decisions

Agenda items