Decision details

That Option Three which proposes to reduce the funding for the overall service whilst retaining the supported accommodation for ex-offenders be progressed.

That Officers undertake market testing on the delivery of the tenancy sustainment service at the reduced level of activity of 100 users at any one time.

That the contract award be for three years from 1^st October 2016 with an optional extension of one year, and that authority to extend the contract be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Care Services.

The Tenancy Sustainment Service works to prevent homelessness by providing support to tenants of social housing in Bromley who are at risk of losing their tenancies, and to up to nine service users in a supported accommodation scheme for ex-offenders, reducing pressure on the Housing Division and Temporary Accommodation budgets by promoting tenancy sustainment and to prevent homeless. 

The existing contract to deliver this service will expire on 30^th September 2016, and following a Gateway Review undertaken on the future delivery of this non-statutory service, it is recommended to progress Option Three which is to reduce the funding available to the overall service whilst retaining the supported accommodation scheme to ex-offenders.  The reduced service, which will offer support to 100 users at any one time, will be market tested to ensure value for money and will prioritise work with people at imminent risk of homelessness, which will preserve significant areas of the service, reduce ongoing pressure on the Housing Needs Service and Temporary Accommodation budget and contribute £150k to the savings target for Supporting People services.