Houses bought for temporary accommodation

Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Cabinet has today, Monday 30 July agreed to buy up to six properties to use as temporary accommodation.  

The District Council will now be able to make offers on and buy houses for sale swiftly within the District, subject to prior consultation with the Leader and relevant Portfolio Holders.  

Cllr Tony Jefferson, Leader says: "The Cabinet has been looking at this since February and is keen to reduce the reliance on Bed and Breakfast accommodation for use as temporary accommodation.  

"Although officers have implemented a number of measures which are reducing the reliance on Bed and Breakfast, demand still remains high.  These proposals agreed today will look to reduce this reliance further, ahead of the long term proposal for a purpose build unit.  

"This new procedure with new delegations means that officers will be able to act quickly when suitable houses on the open market become available to buy."  

The District Council will continue to work with Orbit and use suitable properties from their stock when they become available.  

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