Why frameworks hold the key to temporary accommodation demands

Hitting the standard

There are several factors that local authorities have to consider before making a property available as temporary accommodation. Firstly, it has to be safe. That includes structural safety, avoiding health-related hazards such as damp and mould, and meeting the required level of security.

Then there are a number of functional requirements including available space, accessibility, and mix of uses, for example provision for enough bedrooms, private bathrooms and kitchen facilities.

The first step then is a comprehensive audit of the existing accommodation, whether considering an existing property, or surveying a building to be adapted.

Here, a framework ensures that you get the right consultants on the project with the relevant expertise, skillset and capacity to deliver the work that you need. This is of particular benefit in these kinds of projects where time is of the essence.  

The largest benefit is in risk mitigation. Due diligence into the supply chain has already been carried out, meaning a preferred supplier can be selected more easily.

This has been underpinned by significant market engagement with both clients and the appointed company. Many frameworks are iterated multiple times too, which provides insight into market trends relating to performance, best practice and innovation, and delivery of positive outcomes.

An additional temporary layer

The process of carrying out stock condition surveys before work is identified and prioritised brings us full circle to the earlier point on modular-based accommodation. Sometimes residents need to be temporarily relocated to allow initial surveys and potential repairs or improvements to be made.

With lots of innovation in products and available solutions taking place in the world of modern methods of construction (MMC), it can be hard for clients to review options and make a choice.

Again, this is where a framework provider adds value. Knowing that a third-party has verified the solution to the required standard removes significant risk.

Here at LHCPG, we maintain our involvement throughout the framework lifecycle. During this time, we also look ahead. For example, the next iteration of our Modular Buildings framework will be more dynamic so that new solutions can be added when new technologies and options become available.

Back to adapting and improving existing stock, and there are also steps across the sector to make other enhancements.

Clients want these improvements to last a long time and are taking a strategic view. We are seeing high-quality projects delivered that perform well from an energy-usage perspective, for example, with high levels of air tightness and ventilation to keep homes warm or cool as required and avoid issues with damp and mould.

Meeting the challenge

Delivering temporary accommodation is challenging, not least because it is taking place alongside the broader need to deliver housing. Budgets are tight and bringing new stock forward is costly.

In this in-between phase, some local authorities are defaulting to temporary accommodation in the form of hotels and Airbnb-style solutions, instead of bringing forward either new housing or better-quality temporary accommodation. This is not effective from an assurance perspective and does not increase the available housing – it just parks the problem.

We have also seen examples of delays relating to problems with land assembly, site preparation and getting funding released.

To avoid this, a multi-partner approach is needed that brings developers, landowners and local authorities together. Frameworks help here, too, as they guide procurement and enable groups to combine their buying power.

Andy Burnham’s focus on further devolution should drive more of this – authorities need to bring their thinking together, collate their pipeline and agree consistent requirements. This makes it much easier for the industry to respond to what is needed and will ultimately drive efficiencies when it comes to making and keeping temporary accommodation stock compliant.

Add in agreement on other factors such as pricing, housing typologies, data requirements and resident engagement, you can use a framework to provide an end-to-end solution that tackles this problem much faster and more effectively.

LHCPG is hosting a webinar to explore how frameworks can support local authorities and social landlords to adopt a building-focused, asset management approach to the ‘Fix the Five Basics’ campaign in temporary accommodation.

Register via: https://www.workcast.com/register?cpak=8879438260145658&referrer=LHC