New strategy to deliver high quality temporary accommodation

The strategy, approved at a Cabinet meeting on 18 March, outlines a long term approach for delivering sustainable, good quality temporary accommodation for local people.

The Council is currently facing increased demand for temporary accommodation, with the number of households requiring support rising from 169 at the start of 2025/26 to 224 by February 2026. Without a suitable supply of temporary accommodation locally, many of these households would be placed outside the Borough, disrupting vital support networks, education and employment.

To deliver the strategy, the Council will focus on:

•    Developing high quality, sustainable temporary accommodation
•    Ensuring homes are fit for purpose
•    Reducing financial pressure on the General Fund
•    Making best use of Council owned land and buildings
•    Acquiring new assets where necessary

The accompanying Delivery Plan introduces a ‘pipeline’ approach for bringing forward multiple sites. This ensures a steady flow of temporary accommodation projects moving from feasibility to design, planning, construction and completion.

Four schemes have already been allocated capital funding within the Medium Term Financial Strategy, including:

•    TA Scheme One: £16.3m scheme approval
•    TA Scheme Two: £4.1m approval
•    TA Schemes Three and Four: £200k each for scheme development

The Council has a statutory duty under homelessness legislation to prevent homelessness and secure accommodation for eligible households. 

By increasing the supply of temporary accommodation in the Borough, the use of expensive nightly paid accommodation and out of area placements can be reduced.

Cllr Tom Gibson, Portfolio Holder for Special Projects & Assets said: “Increasing our local temporary accommodation options reduces our reliance on costly, short term placements and helps us manage resources more responsibly. This strategy puts us in a stronger position to provide stable, suitable homes while delivering better value for the public purse.”

Cllr Rob Lillis, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Housing said: “This new approach will provide safe, secure and local temporary accommodation that helps Castle Point residents to stay connected to their community when they need that stability most.”