Secure homes for Hastings' residents

Hastings Borough Council's Cabinet has recommended that Full Council agrees to release funding to buy up to 50 homes to provide housing for Hastings residents who need somewhere safe and stable to live.

The proposal is for the council to buy properties for temporary accommodation which will support residents in housing need to stay within Hastings and close to their families, friends, schools for children and work. The properties would be owned and managed by the council.

Cllr Maya Evans, lead councillor for housing, said: "Hastings is currently in a housing crisis. At the start of December 2022 there were nearly 500 households in temporary accommodation. That is hundreds of residents who need somewhere stable and safe to call home. With property prices rising, there is a lack of suitable, affordable accommodation for households to move into from temporary accommodation. With more people becoming unable to rent privately, the number of people needing temporary homes continues to rise.

"This proposal gives the council the opportunity to help hundreds of residents stay within Hastings and within their support networks, giving them safe and secure homes, allowing them to have a better quality of life."

The properties will have to meet the council's Fit to Let standard, which will ensure they provide residents with good quality housing, which meets a minimum EPC rating of C. The council will also explore options to install insulation and renewable energy solutions which will help residents with more affordable bills.

The council will be required to borrow to purchase the properties however expects to receive grant funding from Homes England to support the proposal. Over time, the proposal will lead to significant savings in the cost of housing within the town.

You can read the full report on the council's website and watch the Cabinet meeting discussion online. The proposal will be discussed at Full Council on Wednesday 8 February at 6pm. This will also be available to watch online.