Cardiff Council is taking action to accommodate homeless individuals by acquiring another hotel and student accommodation. The move is in response to the overwhelming demand for housing in the city, with current emergency accommodation already at full capacity.
During a recent Cardiff Council community and adult services scrutiny committee meeting, concerns were raised about the dire housing situation. Council officers highlighted that the early release of prisoners is further straining the council’s homelessness service. To address this pressing issue, the council is finalising plans to purchase a student accommodation building with 103 apartments, a hotel offering over 150 units, and a 20-bed house of multiple occupation.
Cabinet members are scheduled to consider and approve these acquisition plans in a meeting on Thursday, September 26. Cardiff Council has been granted exclusive use of five hotels to support individuals in need of housing. Previous proposals to purchase land and property to alleviate housing pressure fell through, but the current negotiations are progressing positively.
With approximately 8,000 individuals on the housing waiting list, the council is aiming to expedite the delivery of new homes. If all planned properties are acquired this year, over 450 council homes will be provided, including new-builds and pre-existing properties. The council is working closely with housing association partners and private developers to maximise housing delivery.
The director of adults, housing, and communities, Jane Thomas, explained that the hotel acquisition could proceed swiftly pending cabinet approval. However, the purchase of student accommodation may take longer due to current occupants. The council is exploring various options to address the housing crisis, including ongoing developments at the Gasworks site and collaborations with registered social landlords.
A recent homelessness consultation sought public opinion on offering accommodation outside Cardiff and allocating housing based on availability rather than personal choice. While the majority of respondents supported these proposals, some concerns were raised. Council members assured a fair and considerate approach towards families in need of stable housing.
The effort to secure additional housing reflects Cardiff Council’s commitment to addressing homelessness and providing essential support to vulnerable individuals in the community. The council’s proactive measures aim to alleviate the strain on existing services and offer a path towards stable housing solutions for those in need.