🏠 **Housing Crisis in Caerphilly: Hundreds in B&Bs**
Caerphilly county’s facing a massive housing crunch! Over 500 residents are stuck in temporary accommodation, with two-thirds shacked up in B&Bs. Supply just can’t keep up with the soaring demand for permanent homes, leaving many in limbo.
The local council’s in a tough spot, grappling with skyrocketing costs and extended placements for those at risk of becoming homeless. Cllr Shayne Cook highlighted several drivers behind this heightened demand, from cost-of-living hikes to landlords selling off properties.
🔍 New stats show that the council managed to accommodate 49 additional people in temporary housing during spring, yet only found permanent homes for 20. Single folks are particularly struggling due to a severe shortage of one-bed flats, a problem exacerbated by their often higher support needs.
Finance-wise, the council’s housing budget is stretched thin, potentially overshooting more than £800,000 this year. Over the past three years, they’ve had to sink an extra £4.2 million into this area. The council is racing against the clock to curb these costs and reduce reliance on B&Bs.
What’s being done? For the first time in decades, council housing is being built, and £1 million has been dedicated to converting 27 private properties into family homes. They’re also revamping housing allocation policies to give people more choice and prevent homelessness.
Caerphilly’s also partnered with the Welsh Government for the Caerphilly Keys leasing scheme, enticing more landlords to open up their rental homes. Hopefully, these long-term solutions will help ease the current pressures and offer a brighter future for those in need.
✨ Let’s hope the community can pull together and support these essential initiatives to tackle the housing crisis head-on! 🏘️ #CaerphillyHousingCrisis #WalesHousing #CommunitySupport