SDC - Provision of Temporary Accommodation Service

Tender description

Stratford-on-Avon District Council has a legal obligation to provide accommodation for certain households that are either homeless or threatened with homelessness. The main duties of the Council in respect of homeless households are detailed within the Housing Act 1996 Part VII and the Homeless Reduction Act 2017 (due to be implemented April 2018). The bulk of these households are eligible for Council assistance but not in need of substantial support, however, a minority will present a range of challenges in respect of their health, disability, capability, financial capacity and general vulnerability. The Contract between the Council and the Provider will be in two parts: 1. To sub lease 24 properties (and it is anticipated a further 8 properties within 6 months from the commencement of the Contract) identified by the Council for use as temporary accommodation and a management and repairs service for households temporarily resident in those properties. 2. For housing related support to be provided (where appropriate) to the homeless households in temporary accommodation to enable their homelessness claim to be processed swiftly, to enable them to secure accommodation and assist with the Council's duties under the Homelessness Reduction Act (when implemented), to address any barriers to move on, improve tenancy preparedness and prevent escalation of need to assist households to maintain and sustain accommodation. Temporary accommodation is to be provided whilst investigations into homelessness applications are carried out and until such time as any duty to house is discharged. Temporary accommodation may also be used to assist with duties under the Homelessness Reduction Act or in exercise of a power, e.g. to house pending an appeal to the County Court. All temporary accommodation must comply with the Lettable Standard (see Appendix 2), terms if the sub-lease as well as the provisions specified in this Specification. Particular importance is placed by the Council on optimum occupancy levels and the Provider must deliver efficient, cost effective, statutorily compliant arrangements, including for the ending of occupation and re-letting of units once void.