Richmond Council has successfully acquired 50 new homes for families in urgent need, following a significant £21.5 million investment in its property acquisition program.
These homes, comprising one, two, and three-bedroom properties, serve as temporary accommodation for residents who might otherwise endure prolonged stays in costly, nightly-paid housing outside the borough. Families have already begun moving in, and the council is dedicated to offering safe, secure, and more affordable housing options.
Councillors recently visited some of these new properties to meet residents and witness the initiative’s positive impact. Councillor Chris Varley, Lead Member for Housing, expressed enthusiasm about the project, highlighting the inefficiency and high cost of nightly-paid temporary accommodation. He emphasised that everyone deserves a safe and secure place to live, and this initiative is about helping people rebuild their lives with dignity.
The program is expected to save the council £1 million annually by reducing reliance on expensive temporary housing. It is part of Richmond’s broader commitment to creating a fairer borough, ensuring residents in need of temporary accommodation receive necessary support.
Richmond Council has also become a registered social housing provider, allowing it to manage and fund temporary accommodation to combat homelessness directly. Previously, the council relied on housing associations, as it did not own any housing stock. This new status enables the council to bid for funding from the Greater London Authority, facilitating property acquisition and improving the quality of temporary accommodation within the borough.
The primary goal is to address the homelessness crisis by providing more temporary accommodation and enhancing existing options. The council can now access additional government and GLA funding, purchase properties directly, and reduce the need to house residents far from their support networks. This strategic change aims to improve the quality of temporary accommodation and to offer more stable solutions for families facing homelessness.
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