Work underway to build more temporary accommodation for homeless households
The properties in Bath and North East Somerset will offer a temporary solution for households that have become homeless
Last updated 9th Jun 2024
Work is underway to provide new temporary accommodation for homeless households in Bath & North East Somerset.
The local authority - B&NES Council - say the rising price of rents, as well as the cost of living, and more evictions from private rentals, means more households are coming to them as homeless or about to lose their home.
In response, B&NES Council say they're redeveloping a number of council owned properties to 'provide appropriate supported accommodation', which will be a temporary solution for those households who suddenly find themselves homeless.
Residents will then be assessed and supported pending a move to a permanent home, with most residents staying a few months before moving on.
Work has started onsite on the first two properties which are both in Bath. The first will offer temporary homes for 11 households and a second property will be able to house three households.
Councillor Tom Davies, cabinet member for Council House Building, said: “I’m delighted that work is progressing well on these two properties, they represent a valuable part of the council’s B&NES Homes housing programme. When complete they will allow us to offer wider options to homeless households.
"We’ve achieved a lot, particularly with our Council House Building Programme that includes Newbridge Hill in Bath, the first socially rented properties built for the council in nearly three decades. They are now ready for tenants to move into.”
The temporary accommodation will be managed directly by Housing Services, led by a dedicated manager. The properties will be run in parallel with other temporary accommodation, including 26 units that are currently commissioned through Curo Housing.