Financial aid granted for addressing homelessness issues in Surrey
In a recent turn of events, the Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) is set to receive £1.5 million from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to address local housing pressures.
Initially, EEBC had proposed using the funds for temporary housing pods, a scheme that was rejected by the UK government. The government deemed the temporary pods unsuitable as a solution for housing needs, likely due to concerns over appropriateness, safety, or policy alignment.
Instead, the government proposed that EEBC work with Registered Providers—such as housing associations—to deliver more traditional, longer-term affordable housing solutions. This approach aims to provide more stable and permanent housing options for residents in need.
Hannah Dalton, a member of EEBC, confirmed this information during a strategy and resources committee meeting. She highlighted that this initiative will provide sustainable housing for Afghan citizens, helping them to build new lives, find employment, and integrate into communities.
The council's new programme is expected to cost the taxpayer £35,000 a year for property maintenance, which is a decrease compared to the £115,000 the council was previously spending on equivalent accommodation.
The funds will be used by EEBC to invest in temporary accommodation for families facing homelessness. The council plans to purchase six homes, five for temporary accommodation and one for an Afghan resettlement home. Over the following two years, three additional instalments will be provided to support this initiative.
It's important to note that the budget is being scrutinized to determine if it was indeed hard on landlords. The government has instructed EEBC to invest in bricks and mortar instead.
In a positive development, the first payment of the funding will be received by EEBC in January 2025. This comes amidst a rising need for housing solutions, as evidenced by the 22% increase in repossession actions in Surrey in the second quarter of 2024, according to ONS figures.
The latest programme by EEBC, despite a U-turn in plans, aims to address these housing pressures and provide a more sustainable solution for those in need.
- The Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) has altered its original plan for using the £1.5 million funding for temporary housing pods, as it was deemed unsuitable by the UK government.
- The government encourages EEBC to collaborate with Registered Providers, such as housing associations, to deliver more traditional, long-term affordable housing solutions.
- EEBC is expected to use the funds for investing in temporary accommodation for families facing homelessness, with the aim of purchasing six homes in the near future.
- Political scrutiny is placed on the EEBC's budget allocation, as the government has instructed them to invest in bricks and mortar instead of relying heavily on landlords.