Herefordshire Council has announced a £5 million investment to address homelessness and increase social housing availability over the next 18 months.
The council will allocate £2.5 million each year in the current and upcoming financial periods to acquire and manage properties for people at risk of homelessness.
This funding is in addition to a £1.5 million government grant secured in October, which will specifically support vulnerable young people in need of housing.
This significant investment aims to meet the growing demand for social housing, reduce reliance on expensive temporary accommodation, and tackle homelessness in the region.
Over the past year, Herefordshire Council spent over £3.4 million on temporary accommodation, including £3 million on budget hotels and B&B-style facilities for vulnerable individuals and families.
However, despite the spending, the council faces “ever-increasing demand” for housing, with accommodation costs rising to as much as £120 per night. The shortage of social housing remains a critical issue, with nearly 2,000 households currently on the waiting list.
While several homeless shelters are operational in the county, access is restricted, requiring individuals to complete applications, attend interviews, and be referred to appropriate services. This often delays immediate access to shelter for those in need.
The £5 million fund will enable the council to quickly seize opportunities to acquire additional properties, develop new housing stock, and reduce the costs associated with temporary accommodation.
This strategy aims to alleviate the pressure on the local housing system, provide long-term solutions, and support vulnerable residents in Herefordshire.
