PROVISION OF HOUSING MANAGEMENT SERVICE FOR CARE LEAVERS TRANSITIONAL FLATS IN AYLESBURY

BCC are seeking a suitable organisation to provide a housing management service for 4 flats in a small block in Walton Road, Aylesbury. The property is owned by the BCC. The flats are all self–contained with 1 bedroom, open plan lounge/ kitchen and a bathroom included (One flat is compliant with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act). They share a communal entrance with the flats split equally over 2 floors. The properties are located within 5 minutes’ walk of the town centre.

The scheme will be used to house 18-21 year old, single, Care Leavers who are waiting to be allocated permanent housing through the 4 District Council’s housing registers. BCC have a Protocol in place with the District Councils which awards our single Care Leavers priority for re-housing, when assessed as ‘ready for independence’. It is anticipated that Care Leavers will be housed in this project for a period of 2 – 6 months. Care Leavers housed in this accommodation will be assessed as ‘ready for independence’ and hence do not require on-site support services. They will have access to support and guidance from their Personal Advisor at the Council’s Aftercare Team during normal office hours.

The properties are currently being re-furbished with building works due to complete at the end of August 2015. We are looking to open the scheme in October 2015 subject to sourcing an appropriate organisation to provide a Housing Management Service. We are looking to grant a long lease for the 4 flats to an organisation with experience of working with vulnerable tenants. BCC would retain 100% nomination rights to the properties and the Housing Management Service would be expected to offer Assured Short-hold Tenancy agreements (AST’s) to Care Leavers for the flats and to charge an ‘affordable rent’ in line with local housing benefit levels.

The Housing Management Service will be expected to work collaboratively with BCC Property Services who will be responsible for annual gas and electrical checks and major maintenance tasks. The Housing Management Service will be responsible for undertaking the remaining tasks, such as sub–letting to our Care Leavers using AST’s, collection of rents, basic maintenance and Health & Safety checks.