RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)     notes the update provided in this report on the activities and initial outcomes of the Homelessness and Temporary Accommodation Working Group;

(b)     authorises the Portfolio Holder with responsibility for housing to approve any future revisions to policies associated with temporary accommodation provision and the granting of financial assistance to homeless households;

(c)     agrees in principle, as set out in the main body of the report,  the proposed use of the Council’s existing housing stock or other assets as temporary accommodation, and requests the Corporate Director (Operations & Delivery), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing & Planning, to explore such opportunities for implementation along with undertaking any associated decision making as necessary; and

(d)     requests Officers to undertake a procurement exercise to identify future providers of high-quality temporary accommodation within the private sector aimed at improving quality whist providing price certainty.