A ‘WELCOME’ £12.9million boost will help rising numbers of homeless people in Rugby.
Rugby Borough Council’s (RBC) cabinet has agreed to set up a Housing Acquisition Fund which will be funded by money raised from sales of council homes under the Right to Buy scheme, and low-interest borrowing – and will reduce council spending on temporary accommodation such as bed and breakfasts.
It will be used to buy or build temporary housing for the homeless, amid rising demand.
Average quarterly applications for temporary housing in Rugby have increased from 49 five years ago to 152 this year – a rise of over 32 per cent.
In a report to RBC, head of corporate resources and chief financial officer Mannie Ketley said demand for social housing ‘far outstrips supply’ in Rugby.
She said demand was increasing because people on low incomes could not afford rent increases in the private sector.
“The creation of a Housing Acquisition Fund will assist in mitigating the current and forecast demands arising from homelessness and unmet housing need,” she said.
The move was welcomed by the chair of the homelessness charity which runs Rugby’s winter shelter.
Diana Mansell of Hope 4 said: “Any increased funding that helps address homelessness across Rugby is to be welcomed. This is a welcome change to the cuts that are becoming all too familiar.
“At Hope4 we are sadly seeing an increasing number of people coming to us for help, but our staff are working hard to help our clients with housing issues, benefit claims, job searching, food, clothing and showers.
“We have seen a good number of people over the last few months helped back into housing as we have partnered with the Council.”
The new fund comes as national charity Shelter revealed 125 children in Rugby would be without a permanent home this Christmas – a 421 per cent rise in just five years.
Diana said: “Its terribly sad to see anyone without their basic needs being met. To know that children are in this position is tragic, especially at what should be a joyful time of year.
“Temporary housing is provided, but we all know it affects so many aspects of life.
“I hope the new funding will prioritise families, but will also provide housing for single people who are often less easily housed.”
Hope 4 and its 300-plus volunteers are running the eighth annual Rugby Winter Night Shelter until March 31, with seven locations around the town providing meals and a warm place to sleep during freezing temperatures.
Diana said: “With the cold sure to bite soon, it is good news that the shelter has just opened.
“We are all so grateful for the support of an army of volunteers. I know this is a great help to so many.”
