FI16798
Request
I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 regarding the Council's procurement, spending, and management of temporary accommodation for homeless households, particularly in light of recent reports of financial pressures and increased demand for such services.
Specifically, I would like to request the following information covering the period from 1 January 2022 to the date of this request:
1. A breakdown of all council expenditure on temporary accommodation for homeless households, including but not limited to nightly paid accommodation, hotels, bed & breakfast establishments, and housing association provision. Please provide this as a dataset, in spreadsheet or CSV format, showing amounts spent, the provider, location, and duration of contracts/placements, if available.
2. Copies of all contracts, procurement documents and tender submissions related to the sourcing or management of temporary accommodation providers, including any framework agreements, since 1 January 2022.
3. Internal reports, reviews, or briefing papers prepared for cabinet members, senior officers, or relevant committees which assess the financial impact, risk, or sustainability of the Council's use of temporary accommodation during this period, especially in relation to budget pressures.
4. Minutes and agendas from any council meetings, cabinet meetings, or relevant committee meetings (including scrutiny panels) from 1 January 2022 onwards where temporary accommodation provision, associated costs, or procurement arrangements have been discussed.
5. Copies of all correspondence (email and letter) between Dover District Council officials and external organisations (including accommodation providers, outsourcing companies, and Kent County Council) regarding negotiation of rates, complaints, contract management, and changes to provision of temporary accommodation during this period. Please include communications from relevant heads of service, procurement teams, and finance officers.
6. Any policy reviews or evaluations undertaken, commissioned, or received by the Council relating to the adequacy, effectiveness, or value for money of the temporary accommodation services provided since 1 January 2022.
7. A summary of all council-owned or council-affiliated companies involved in the provision or management of temporary accommodation, including the nature of their involvement and copies of any relevant monitoring or performance review documents.
Response
1. This information is available on the Council’s website as part of the payment to suppliers data at: https://www.dover.gov.uk/Corporate-Information/Financial-Information/Payments-to-Suppliers/Payments-to-Suppliers.aspx.
2. The Council does not hold this information as we do not formally procure temporary accommodation.
3. Any report of this type would be included in the Medium Term Financial Plan which is published annually and submitted to both Cabinet and Council. These documents can be found on the Council’s website at https://www.dover.gov.uk/Corporate-Information/Financial-Information/Budgets--Accounts.aspx
4. A search for this information can be undertaken on the Council’s website at https://moderngov.dover.gov.uk/iedocsearch.aspx?adv=1&fc=1&SS=Text%20to%20search%20for.
5. The Council does not hold this information.
6. The Council does not hold this information.
7. There are no council-owned or council-affiliated companies involved in the provision or management of temporary accommodation.