Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has agreed to lease 20 one- and two-bedroom flats in Quarry Hill Road, Tonbridge, for homeless local families — part of an effort to cut a temporary accommodation bill running at around £2.2 million a year.
The council has entered into an agreement for lease, committing it to lease the flats once the owners have converted them from offices. Once they are ready, the council will use them as short-term homes for families with a local connection whom it has a legal duty to house. Around 100 households across the borough currently need that kind of help.
The council currently spends around £2.2 million a year on temporary accommodation, relying on more costly options. Having its own stock in Quarry Hill Road is intended to reduce that reliance and bring costs down.
Cllr Robin Betts, the council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Environment and Economy, said: “We’re very pleased to be providing these extra homes for temporary housing. They are in a sustainable location – close to the town centre, railway station and importantly within the borough.”
He added: “Everyone has a right to a decent place to live, and we are proud to be able to support local families from Tonbridge and Malling who find themselves needing emergency housing at short notice to stay within the local area.”
Tonbridge and Malling Council secures 20 temporary flats in Quarry Hill Road Quiz
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