Councillors voted on 20th March to support an increase in the supply of affordable homes in Dorset. This will be achieved through use of council-owned land and buildings and by leasing more homes across the county.
Four approaches to increase the overall supply of homes were presented to councillors at the People and Health Overview Committee.
A plan to supply 100 homes to be used for temporary accommodation for family and single households within 12 months will start first. The council will lease these homes for people needing emergency housing, resulting in minimal use of bed and breakfast accommodation in future.
Councillors also supported a proposal for a pilot using council land and buildings to provide homes for people with complex housing needs.
Other recommendations were endorsed that will work toward setting up a pilot partnership and build affordable housing on council-owned land and to lease 400 homes a year over three years (1,200 in total) to Dorset residents on the housing register.
Councillors heard that more temporary accommodation and affordable housing, including social rent, supported, accessible and adapted homes will be provided, and that residents and council services will benefit from the new provision.
The plans will help to reduce the numbers of people waiting on the housing register. Data will be used to determine the size, type and location of housing, including housing for key workers.
Councillors also agreed to explore the role of the council’s housing company, Homes Dorset, to support its housing ambition around managing stock ourselves.
Cabinet Member for Health and Housing, Cllr Gill Taylor said:
“These proposals are exciting and viable solutions to deliver the homes we desperately need in Dorset. This will bridge the gap between the supply of good quality homes that local people can afford and the current level of need.
We want to double the number of new homes built each year by working alongside our Registered Provider partners who currently build around 460 new homes a year. This represents a significant increase in the supply of housing for Dorset.
We also aim to stop using B&Bs for emergency accommodation through the alternative provision of more suitable temporary housing.
A decent home provides the foundations we all need for our health and wellbeing.”
Dorset Council Cabinet will need to approve all the models before they can be formerly adopted.
You can find out more about the proposed solutions here: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/new-models-for-housing-delivery
