Full Council vote for financial boost for housing needs
At a meeting of the Full Council on Wednesday 8 March, Arun District Councillors voted in favour of the allocation of up to £80,000 of additional funding provision for Bed and Breakfast accommodation for those at risk of homelessness. This boosts the original pot of £360,000 of funding, set aside for Bed and Breakfasts to support homelessness.
The Leader, Cllr Mrs Gillian Brown put forward the proposal to increase the funding for this service and was seconded by Cllr Trevor Bence at the Full Council Meeting. It was explained that as a Local Authority, Arun District Council have a statutory obligation to home, homeless people and are working hard with other partners to find solutions to support those already in need and prevent, where possible, incidents of homelessness occurring.
Levels of homelessness in Arun currently show no signs of overall reduction, which reflects both County and National trends.
Cllr Trevor Bence, Cabinet Member for Housing said “Fluctuations in demand for Bed and Breakfast accommodation, and the individual circumstances involved can provide challenges in budgeting for support of this service.
“The additional financial input of up to £80,000 will help Arun to continue to address the situation, and work with other authorities and partners who are facing similar challenges.
“Arun District Council is taking action to support the homes and has invested in additional temporary accommodation with the development of 6 flats in Bognor Regis a few years ago, several new build properties underway, and investigations to see if further suitable accommodation could be acquired by the Council. These steps will help to reduce the financial impact Bed and Breakfast accommodation has.”