Ten Newport flats purchase for temporary housing approved

Kiln House, Woodbine Close in Newport <i>(Image: Google Maps)</i>
Kiln House, Woodbine Close in Newport (Image: Google Maps)
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Council plans to spend over £1 million on ten apartments for temporary accommodation have been given the green light by Isle of Wight councillors.

The policy, finance and resources committee yesterday (Thursday, March 12) unanimously approved the purchase of Kiln House on Woodbine Close in Newport.

Kiln House comprises ten flats which are currently leased to County Hall and purchasing them will ensure the authority’s statutory duties in relation to housing can continue to be met, according to a committee report.

It says: “The council is currently providing temporary accommodation for in excess of 200 households. This accommodation is sourced largely from third parties. There is currently a reliance on bed and breakfast accommodation, and the council has committed to a reduction in this area.

“More specifically there is a commitment to ensure that no child spends more than six weeks in bed and breakfast accommodation.

“In addition to the commitment to reduce the reliance on bed and breakfast accommodation and in order to ensure a more stable supply of accommodation for this purpose the council is seeking to invest in these properties so that it has permanent solutions to provide directly to households in need.”

Alliance council leader Phil Jordan said: “It’s looks like a progressive, good move forward – positive. Always trying to address some of the issues we have with homelessness in a positive way and in a long-term way, owning the properties that people in the future can access can only be a good thing.”

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