Council working to increase accommodation for homeless

Bridgend County Borough Council is continuing its work to increase the number of temporary accommodation units for homeless people in the area.

A report going before Cabinet this week reveals that as part of the Covid-19 response, the council found temporary accommodation for 587 households between March and November. This included the use of existing specialist accommodation and hostels as well as securing bedrooms at local hotels that had remained open, and purchasing four homeless pods.

Flat-pack furniture, microwaves, and small fridges were also provided where needed, and hotels were provided with 24-hour security. This was funded by £1.565m from the Welsh Government’s Hardship fund.

Since the Welsh Government issued guidance in June that those in temporary accommodation should be provided with a permanent home with no one returning to homelessness, Bridgend County Borough Council has taken a rapid rehousing approach.

Currently, about 125 households are being supported in temporary accommodation across the county borough. In June, the council submitted bids to the Welsh Government for funding for capital and revenue projects after liaising with registered social landlords.

Once delivered, the capital projects will provide up to 34 units of accommodation. These will increase social housing stock and also allow for increased temporary accommodation units. The revenue projects will enable increased support packages for those who are homeless.

In addition to funding bids, the council has been working with registered social landlords to develop a new, faster Rapid Rehousing Protocol (RRP) since June. To date, 70 households have been rehoused, with a further 21 pending a move-in date.

Without this process it is likely the numbers in temporary accommodation would be higher than the current 125 households.

A report to be discussed on Tuesday, 15 December, recommends that the council’s Cabinet supports the collaborative working arrangement with Welsh Government and registered social landlords to increase the temporary accommodation units across the borough.

The Cabinet is also recommended to support the Rapid Rehousing Protocol to reduce the number of people in temporary accommodation.

• The Cabinet will meet to discuss the report at 2.30pm on Tuesday 15 December.