Decision details

A review of accommodation provision for young people currently supported by the Council, primarily by the Children and Families Directorate but not exclusively has resulted in the potential for changes to accommodation support for cohorts of individuals, including former UASC, to move from existing accommodation to a new accommodation stream located in Kirkstall.

Currently cohorts of children with no or low levels of support need are accommodated in supported accommodation due to the lack of appropriate accommodation elsewhere in the city. A review has highlighted on the potential to utilise unlet student accommodation to provide accommodation, subject to the necessary analysis of need and careful matching of individuals, subject to any change of use application that may be required.

a)  The Director of Children and Families approved the use of vacant student accommodation for the provision of semi-independent accommodation for care leavers. 

b)  The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment approved the use of vacant student accommodation for the provision of temporary accommodation for families presenting as homeless.

c)  The Director of City Development approved the entering into an initial lease arrangement as to support the delivery of a) and b)

d)  The Directors note that a planning application will be submitted by the Council jointly with the developer/owner of the accommodation to allow for a change of use so that maximum use of the accommodation can be implemented and that subject to the outcome of that planning application process that a further decision will be taken by the Director of City Development to agree any subsequent lease matters.

Ward Members Briefing 18th December 2023