Hastings Borough Council's Cabinet agrees to directly provide affordable social housing

On Monday, Hastings Borough Council's Cabinet unanimously agreed to renew its role as a direct provider of affordable social housing.

This agreement was made in conjunction with a decision to rent the council's first affordable properties in York Buildings, made possible through Homes England funding. The newly renovated York Buildings in Hastings Town Centre will house six people from the council's housing list, providing local people with central, stable, and permanent homes at an affordable rate.

Cllr Maya Evans, deputy leader and portfolio holder for Housing and Community Development, said:

"I am delighted the council has decided to restart council housing again in Hastings.

"As a council, we understand the desperate need for permanent homes locally, especially at a time when the availability of affordable housing in Hastings has sadly continued to decrease. This, coupled with other rising household costs, has made it increasingly difficult for many residents to keep a roof over their heads.

"The decision made at last night's Cabinet is great news for the borough and kick-starts the council's commitment to becoming a direct provider of affordable housing. The first six properties of our portfolio will enable us to quickly house local people on the housing register, reducing our reliance on temporary accommodation and taking us a small step closer to our target of delivering 500 Affordable Rented Homes across the borough."