At a Cabinet meeting next Monday (1st November) Hastings Borough Councillors will review a plan put forward by its Housing Department to set a target for the the delivery of 500 new “affordable” homes over the next five years.

The plan recites that there are 1,413 households (2,848 people) currently on the Council’s waiting list for social housing, but recognises that housing stock in the private rented sector is becoming increasingly unaffordable and inaccessible to those with low or even medium income. Private rents are said to be often 40% higher than the figures offered as a local housing allowance by the Department of Work and Pensions. At the same time the Council is projected to spend over £2m in 2021/22 on emergency accommodation.

It is proposed that the Council undertake a review of its own land holdings to support the potential programme, and to undertake provision of up to 200 housing units over the next five years through its own housing company. It will look to Optivo and Orbit Housing Associations to make up a further 300.

Cllr Andy Batsford, lead Councillor for housing, said in advance of the Cabinet meeting:

“The lack of affordable rented housing not only affects residents who are unable to rent their own homes, but it also undermines the ongoing regeneration of the town, including employment growth and education, as well as the health and general wellbeing of our residents. We cannot just stand by and wait for the open housing market to deliver the small and often contested number of affordable rented homes.

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“This Council must champion those who are waiting for a home on our housing list, many of whom are key workers, the very people we are calling heroes during the Covid pandemic. The least we can do is aim to provide a well-built and affordable rented home for those who are worried and struggling to make ends meet on low incomes.”


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https://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ashdown-house.jpghttps://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ashdown-house-150x150.jpgHIPNewsaffordable housing,Ashdown House,emergency accommodation,social housingAt a Cabinet meeting next Monday (1st November) Hastings Borough Councillors will review a plan put forward by its Housing Department to set a target for the the delivery of 500 new “affordable” homes over the next five years. The plan recites that there are 1,413 households (2,848 people) currently...The Hastings & St Leonards non-profit community newspaper