Folkestone & Hythe District Council Cabinet members have given an enthusiastic green light to a major proposal of investing £5 million to dramatically expand the council’s stock of temporary accommodation. This vital funding is set to purchase at least 20 additional properties throughout the district, which will be used to provide safe, stable housing for homeless households.
It’s claimed this isn’t just a quick fix; it’s a smart, strategic investment that will save taxpayers money in the long run. By using its own properties for temporary accommodation, the council is moving away from the costly reliance on private, nightly-let providers meaning a more cost-effective, sustainable approach to tackling homelessness that provides better security and certainty for families during a difficult time.
Cllr Rebecca Shoob, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness said:
“As has been the case nationally, the number of homeless households approaching the council has increased over the last year. Providing the accommodation ourselves provides better value for money and delivers a long-term housing asset for the district. But this is only part of the solution – we will continue our work to prevent homelessness wherever possible. This is by keeping residents in their existing homes or by assisting them into alternative accommodation and avoiding the need to move to temporary arrangements.”