More support to tackle homelessness in Burnley

As homelessness continues to increase nationally, Burnley Council has been working on various projects to increase the number of properties that it owns for use as temporary accommodation.

The Government has allocated a further £134,800 to the council to deliver a further two homes to support those without a roof over their head.

It will bring the total number of council-owned properties available for good quality temporary accommodation across the borough to 22. This, in turn, will further reduce the need for the council to use bed and breakfast accommodation which is often not suitable for families and others, and which cannot be used to house people for more than six weeks.

A report to the council’s executive, which meets on 4th April, recommends that the council accept the additional funding and use it to acquire two empty properties.

Paul Gatrell, the council’s head of housing and development control, said: “The council recognises the need to provide good standard and well managed accommodation for homeless families on a short-term basis until they can find a more permanent solution.

“This will also help us keep control over the management of the accommodation and provide a more cost-effective option to the council for the provision of temporary accommodation.”

Six out of the total number of temporary accommodation properties available, where people can stay up to two years, were acquired and fully renovated under the council’s rough sleeping accommodation programme.

Residents are supported by various services to help them move into sustainable longer-term homes.