Council buys and renovates homes for homeless families

Homeless families in one Welsh area will benefit from a new housing scheme launched by the local council, which has bought and renovated 17 properties with the help of Welsh Government funding.

Caerphilly County Borough Council has used the Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme, an initiative to address and prevent homelessness, to buy and refurbish 17 privately owned homes.

The fund will also transform four of its own homes in the area.

The scheme aims to provide suitable and stable housing for families who would otherwise be placed in temporary accommodation, such as hostels or bed and breakfasts, which can be costly and unsuitable for their needs.

‘Increase in people presenting to the council as homeless’

The council’s cabinet member for housing, Cllr Shayne Cook, said: “In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in people presenting to the council as homeless and, given the current cost of living and housing crises, are likely to see this number grow.

“This places enormous pressure on existing resources and temporary accommodation.”

He added: “I am delighted to see the council purchase and renovate 17 homes in the Caerphilly borough which will provide much needed suitable accommodation for those experiencing homelessness.

“The Council has provided over £1 million of its own monies, alongside £3 million of Welsh Government funding enabling us to purchase these properties.

“We hope to be able to access funding again in the future to acquire more homes to help tackle homelessness.”