Council leaders want 100 new homes for the homeless

100 new homes wanted for the homeless

More than 100 new ‘bespoke homes’ for the homeless could be built across Rochdale in the next two years.

The council has already secured funding to build 53 of the homes specially aimed at the homeless, but has ambitions to double that figure. Leaders would like to create 106 of the units over the next few years, if they can fund them.

At the latest council meeting, councillors approved an interim housing strategy, which focused on homelessness prevention.

The plan aims to end emergency bed & breakfast accommodation for homeless families. Initially, they want to reduce the reliance on B&Bs by creating their own temporary accommodation and building more homes generally.

Alongside building up the council’s Homelessness and Prevention Response Service, it is hoped the new homes would eventually end the need for B&Bs as other types of temporary accommodation completely.

Councillor Daniel Meredith explained that increasing the number of homes and affordable homes will also help to reduce their waiting list of 9,000 people. He told the cabinet meeting in Number One Riverside their government-set target is 918 new homes over the next year.

“It’s fantastic to see the increasing supply of homelessness provision,” Councillor Meredith added.

“Rent in this borough has skyrocketed and has gotten out of control.

“We are looking to bring everything together so people get the best housing offer in this borough.”

The housing strategy for 2025-2027 will lay the foundations of a new 10 year plan for growth and development throughout the borough, the meeting heard.

George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter