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The amount of temporary accommodation for homeless people in Kirklees could soon be increasing, as the council sets out a plan to reduce its reliance and spending on hotels. Demand for such
accommodation “significantly outweighs” the number of properties that are available, a council report says. The local authority’s Housing Solutions Service has around 180 premises to meet
this demand. though the number of cases qualifying for temporary accommodation “far exceeds” the provision. As a result Kirklees Council, which has a duty to provide temporary accommodation,
says it is forced to use “less appropriate” hotels and B&Bs which are costing millions of pounds each year. For 2024/25, the local authority has forecast a £7.84m spend against a budget
of £3.42m. Looking ahead to 2025/26, the budget has been upped to £7.02m, with the council hoping its new approach, which involves taking on lease agreements with private landlords, will
help it stick within this envelope, as well as increasing housing provision for those who are homeless. A 24-month pilot scheme has already been carried out where 14 homeless families have
been housed in a privately-owned former student accommodation block. The council says this was a success and has agreed to take on a total of 38 properties at the site and commit to a
longer-term lease. The report to next week’s Cabinet meeting recognises that this move alone cannot eliminate the council’s reliance on hotels and B&Bs but it is asked that offices are
given the authority to enter into similar agreements on other properties. The new arrangements will also allow the council to claim back a higher proportion of Housing Benefit, it adds.
Councillor Moses Crook, Deputy Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “Even in hard times – especially in hard times – we have a responsibility to those most in need. For people struggling with
homelessness, we have both a statutory and a moral duty of care, to make sure they get the help and support they need to find new homes. And for those in greatest need, it’s our job to make
sure they have a roof over their heads while we work towards a permanent solution. “We’ve seen a huge rise in homelessness over the last few years, and that’s taken a toll on our available
provision as well as our council budget. We want to be able to provide better temporary accommodation for those who really need it, and it’s vital we find a way to do this which doesn’t have
such a financial impact. “These plans would immediately more than double our number of temporary homes for households and families in need. It’s a huge step in the right direction – not
just saving money but also providing families, often including children, with more comfort and dignity at a tremendously difficult time. I very much hope the plans are approved.” _GET ALL
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