500 affordable homes for local people

Hastings Borough Council's Cabinet is set to debate plans to deliver 500 affordable rented homes over the next five years.

The council is committed to significantly improving the supply of affordable rented housing within the town. The number of people on the waiting list for social housing is rising, which is putting increasing pressure on the council's homelessness services. Temporary accommodation, as well as having a significant negative impact on the quality of people's lives, is a very expensive way of housing residents and the costs are increasing all the time.

Cllr Andy Batsford, lead councillor for housing, said,

"Access to affordable rented housing in Hastings has significantly worsened in recent years, and the supply of new housing isn't meeting the ever-increasing demand. We need a solid plan for delivering the homes that our residents desperately need and deserve, and this is that plan.

"The lack of affordable rented housing not only affects residents who are unable to rent their own homes, but it also undermines the ongoing regeneration of the town, including employment growth and education, as well as the health and general wellbeing of our residents. We cannot just stand by and wait for the open housing market to deliver the small and often contested number of affordable rented homes.

"This council must champion those who are waiting for a home on our housing list, many of whom are key workers, the very people we are calling heroes during the COVID pandemic. The least we can do is aim to provide a well-built and affordable rented home for those who are worried and struggling to make ends meet on low incomes."

A list of potential sites for new homes will be published on the council's website and kept updated with progress.

The Cabinet meeting where the discussion will be held will be available to watch on the council's website on Monday 1 November