Temporary accommodation solutions paying off

Measures put in place by Stratford-on-Avon District Council to reduce the reliance of Bed and Breakfast accommodation for temporary housing, are starting to pay dividends.

Recent figures have shown that Stratford-on-Avon District Council's usage of Bed & Breakfast accommodation for temporary housing is at its lowest for two years - from around 40 households in 2017 to less than 10 households.

Cllr Jo Barker, People Portfolio says: "Putting homeless individuals or families in B&B accommodation is not an ideal situation and is often a last resort. So it's good to see that the use of B&Bs for temporary accommodation has steadied in the last 12 months and is now showing signs of reduction.  The District Council has been working hard to prevent homelessness by targeting help at those who are most at risk and also to reduce the use of  B&B accommodation for those who do become homeless.

"Last July, Cabinet agreed to allocate £1.4m for the purchase of properties to use as temporary accommodation and this investment is now beginning to deliver results by providing more flexible options. The Council has also secured the use of additional properties from Orbit Housing Association and a small number of privately owned properties all of which are helping to reduce the use of B&B. The cost to the Council is also now much improved, as the B&B costs are being recovered through Housing Benefit."

The District Council currently has access to 39 units for temporary accommodation - some leased from Orbit and some secured from the private rental sector and has purchased 5 properties outright.