Monmouthshire Council Criticised for Spending £3,500 Weekly on Accommodation for a Single Homeless Individual
A recent report reveals that Monmouthshire Council in Wales has been allocating a staggering £3,500 per week to accommodate just one homeless person. The news has sparked concerns among local councillors about the cost-effectiveness of such arrangements, prompting calls for a review of the council’s spending practices.
Sara Burch, the councillor overseeing housing matters at Monmouthshire Council, has pledged to investigate the issue and has expressed her intention to shift away from block contracts for temporary housing solutions. She has set a target to significantly reduce the reliance on bed and breakfast facilities for accommodating homeless individuals by the end of the 2025/26 financial year. This move is expected to result in substantial cost savings for the council, which reportedly spent £1.5 million on B&B accommodations in the previous fiscal year.
The scrutiny into homelessness strategies was initiated by Conservative councillor Jayne McKenna during a recent council meeting. McKenna raised concerns about the council’s spending on accommodation, highlighting instances where funds were allocated for multiple rooms at a venue in Monmouthshire, despite low occupancy rates. She questioned the value for money in spending £3,500 per week to house just one person, emphasising the need for more efficient use of public resources.
In response to the concerns raised by Councillor McKenna, Sara Burch acknowledged the need for a detailed examination of the expenditure. She acknowledged the gradual shift away from block contracts and outdated arrangements, which had been in place previously. Burch disclosed that while the council had spent £1.5 million on B&B accommodations in the previous financial year, a decrease from over £2.1 million in the year before, these figures were gross and certain expenses were offset by housing benefits.
Furthermore, Councillor Burch pointed out a decline in homelessness rates since the implementation of the council’s Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan in 2023. She noted a reduction in the number of individuals requiring temporary accommodation, including B&Bs, indicating a positive impact of the strategic approach adopted by the council. The shift towards more sustainable housing solutions has contributed to a decrease in the reliance on costly temporary accommodations, resulting in both financial savings for the council and improved support for homeless individuals.
Since the change in administration in 2022, efforts to address homelessness have been intensified, with a focus on preventing individuals and households from falling into homelessness. The council has adopted various proactive measures through its housing options team and other initiatives to support vulnerable individuals and families at risk of losing their homes. By providing tailored support and access to appropriate housing solutions, the council aims to reduce the number of individuals requiring emergency accommodations and ensure long-term stability for those facing housing challenges.
Looking ahead, Monmouthshire Council is set to repurpose the former Severn View care home in Chepstow as temporary accommodation starting at the end of the month. Additionally, the council has acquired properties to serve as temporary housing and has entered into leasing agreements for other suitable accommodations. These moves signify a shift towards more sustainable and cost-effective solutions for housing vulnerable individuals, while also enhancing the support services available to those in need.
As the council continues its efforts to address homelessness and improve housing provisions in the region, the community is hopeful that these initiatives will lead to positive outcomes for individuals experiencing housing insecurity. The commitment to re-evaluate spending practices and prioritise sustainable housing solutions reflects a proactive approach towards addressing homelessness and supporting vulnerable members of the community.