The creation of affordable housing for people who are homeless is to be considered by the Isle of Wight Council's leading cabinet members next week.

The council says it has a "unique opportunity" to buy and renovate accomodation for Islanders at risk of rough sleeping.

Councillors will hear that the authority has won national funding, to the tune of £472,368, from the government's Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme.

It is proposed the grant is used to provide five units of supported accommodation, ready for occupation by March 31 2022.

Cabinet members are being asked to support the council becoming a 'Registered Provider of Housing' and an investment partner of Homes England, in order to secure the cash.

County Hall would then provide an additional £389,868 in match-funding.

Councillor Ian Stephens, deputy leader and Cabinet member responsible for homelessness and housing needs, said: "Homelessness continues to be a major priority for the council and this funding will enable us to continue this important work.

"This is a unique opportunity for the council. These properties will become long-term, council-owned assets and will provide island residents with an affordable place they can call home.

"The overarching benefits of the project and proposals are multifaceted. In the short term the project will deliver a further reduction in the numbers of rough sleepers and provide us with homes in our control for the first time in many years.

"In the longer term this provides the council with potential to bid for affordable housing grants as an investment partner of Homes England and Registered Provider of Housing."