The council is planning a "bold" plan to purchase up to 200 temporary homes to tackle homelessness across the city.
Brighton and Hove City Council has said that it proposing to directly purchase temporary homes for homeless families, marking a shift in how the council is using its resources, placing vulnerable families at the heart of its housing strategy.
Councillor Jacob Taylor, deputy leader of the council, said: “This is a bold and necessary investment in the future of our city.
"The pressure on housing is immense, and we need to think differently.
"By purchasing up to 200 homes, we are helping families stay close to their support networks such as schools, services and communities."
As part of the council's wider commitment to financial sustainability, the council is also "maximising the use of its existing assets".
Several council-owned sites, including the Slipper Baths, North Laine and the South Downs Riding School, will now be used for housing.
Read more
- Why rough sleeping in tents is increasing and how homelessness is being tackled
- 'Once it's gone, it's gone' - parents' fury on planned closure of school
- Shop owner speaks out as ‘disgusting’ fly infestation blights area for months
- Sports court is being recycled and moved across city
The recommendation going to the council's cabinet is for the purchase of up to 200 additional temporary homes, with an initial investment of £10 million.
These homes will offer "greater flexibility than secure tenancies" the council has said, allowing it to support families in transition and help them prepare for long-term renting.
No new eligibility criteria are being introduced. Instead, the council will prioritise families most in need.
Cllr Gill Williams, cabinet member for housing and new homes, added: “This is a bold step forward in how we support families facing homelessness in Brighton and Hove.
"We are using our resources to act now, not just to respond to crisis but to prevent it.
"By investing £10 million in homes, we are restoring dignity, reducing disruption and giving families a pathway to secure housing.
"This is about protecting their wellbeing and helping families build a future in our city.”
In an investigation conducted by The Argus, it was revealed that 7,500 households are on Brighton and Hove's waiting list for social housing, with a 3.3 years average wait to be housed and 6.2 years average wait for a 3-bedroom socially rented house.
It also revealed that more than 1,900 households are in temporary and emergency accommodation and that the council is buying back homes at a rate of one per week to provide housing.
A key priority for the council is to help families stay close to their support networks. It said that it is working to reduce "disruption and instability", recognising the serious implications for children in temporary accommodation.
Share