Lichfield council to invest over £2m in temporary accommodation

Lichfield District Council has announced a significant investment of £2,157,000 to enhance temporary accommodation and provide rough sleeper housing solutions across the district.

This investment, made possible through capital reserves generated from payments made by developers and Right to Buy receipts, aims to address the ongoing need for emergency housing for local residents.

The decision follows an in-depth options appraisal involving the council’s housing, finance, procurement, and policy teams, which identified that the most effective approach is to purchase and refurbish existing properties.

This strategy will deliver accommodation in key locations, including Lichfield City, Burntwood, Fazeley and Armitage with Handsacre to provide residents with easy access to shops, transport, and local services.

Councillor Alex Farrell, Cabinet Member for Housing and the Local Plan, said: “This investment will significantly expand our ability to provide quality temporary housing to local people.

“By focusing on purchasing and refurbishing existing properties, we can deliver these much-needed homes in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible, right where people need them most.”

Currently, the council supports around 32 individuals or families in temporary accommodation at any given time, with an average of five additional households at risk of imminent need.

Last year, the council spent approximately £191,000 on temporary accommodation, often relying on bed and breakfast facilities outside the district, which are not suitable for long-term stays.

The approved plan also includes a dedicated £150,000 fund for the potential delivery of rough sleeper units or pods, subject to further Cabinet approval and planning permission.

These units are designed to support entrenched rough sleepers by offering secure, stable environments and targeted support, acting as a bridge to more permanent housing solutions.

"Our focus is not just on providing shelter but also on delivering tailored support to help residents transition into stable accommodation," added Councillor Farrell. 

"The council’s approach will ensure we maintain high standards of property care and tenant support, while reinvesting rental income back into the system to sustain and expand these services.”

The properties will be managed by the council, with maintenance handled by its wholly owned company, Lichfield West Midlands Traded Services (LWMTS).

This will ensure a swift turnaround of properties and maximise the council's ability to provide immediate assistance to those in need.