Torbay could buy and lease more temporary accommodation
Concerns are growing over rising rents in Torbay - making it harder for the council to find emergency accommodation.
A new procurement strategy is expected to be approved later to help people needing temporary accommodation across Torbay - with the council looking to lease and buy property.
The council's housing service is under pressure after local housing provider Mears Plexus announced plans to leave the market and more landlords started selling homes - or making money from renting out properties to holidaymakers.
Tonight 132 households will be supported by the council - a mix of family groups, individuals and couples. Until now around one in four properties in Torbay was privately rented, but that is now starting to fall.
Torbay Council currently sets aside £414 for a one-bedroom property, despite the average local rent now reaching £450-550. It expects to pay £828 for a four-bedroom, which locally is being rented out for an average of £900-1,500.
Tara Harris, Divisional Director Community and Customer Services for Torbay Council, talks about the challenges they face
A report, going before the council's decision-making cabinet tonight, says there is currently a 'significant reliance on tourist-based accommodation (B&Bs, hotels) - which is not a suitable option for families with children, clients with complex and multiple needs or 16-17yr olds'.
One success that is noted is that: "Work is also being concluded to secure an addition seven properties to meet our requirement for those fleeing domestic abuse and will be accessible from November 2021. This will also include support to enable people to feel secure and assistance in finding a permanent home."
But the report warns :"We have insufficient move on accommodation to be able to resettle all the people we have a duty to assist.
"There is clear evidence that there is simply not enough social housing to meet demand and we face uncertain times due to the buoyancy of the private sector.
"This means our households are trapped in temporary accommodation for unnecessary periods of time whilst they wait for a suitable homes to become available. This has a negative impact on clients who find themselves unable to lay down the roots that make them feel part of a community and feel invested in their living environment as a home rather than a place to be. "
Tonight the cabinet will vote to 'undertake an open market procurement to secure the required number of units required for the delivery of our temporary accommodation service'.
It also wants to create 'a list of approved providers from which we can purchase additional units from on an ‘as required’ basis. This will also support any accommodation requirements as part of a response to an emergency incident'.
The full agenda for tonight's cabinet can be found here
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