Decision details

The Executive Member (Homes and Housing), Councillor Jane Fitzsimons presented the confidential report of the Director (Early Intervention and Support). 

The preferred option is for the council to seek to purchase properties that will be used to house refugees as part of the Syrian Refugee Programme. The rationale for this proposal is that it provides the council the best opportunity to manage the programme so that the refugee families are well-supported and become well integrated into the community. In addition, following the end of the programme, the council will have assets in the properties that can be used in the future.

Members discussed the different options considered.  Councillor Alan Cullens, Leader of the Opposition expressed concern about the timescales involved and the town centre location of the proposed properties.  He suggested that rental properties should be the preferred option.  He queried the costing within the report and the options if properties cannot be purchased and renovated for when the refugees arrive.

Councillor Fitzsimons explained that timescales are tight, but that the Council, as a community leader, is best placed to ensure that the refugees are supported in settling in Chorley, with access to services and education.  Until the Council knew the families were coming it was not possible to purchase properties, but long term the proposal will increase the Council asset base, in line with the proposal for the housing company.   

The Executive Member (Homes and Housing), Councillor Jane Fitzsimons proposed and the Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley seconded the Decision

1.    To increase the Capital Programme by £1.672 million for the purpose of purchasing 10 properties and that prudential borrowing is used to fund this purchase.

2.    To set aside a revenue reserve of £60k to create a building maintenance fund to bring any homes that require refurbishment up to the necessary standard.