Housing Solicitors

Reading Borough Council has discussed plans for a new company to help homeless people find housing.

The new venture aims to help people who are struggling in the current housing market in Reading – or are currently living in temporary housing or in unsuitable bed and breakfast accommodation.

There will be no overall cost to the council – and a report on proposals to establish a new wholly-owned housing company to manage the scheme was discussed at a full council meeting on Tuesday 22 March.

The housing company would buy properties to let at a mix of market rates and at discounted rents – with an aim of acquiring 100 homes in its first year and continuing at the same rate for the following four years, resulting in a total of 500 homes in the first five years.

The new company will offer good quality, responsibly managed, private rented accommodation to the homeless, which will be separate from the council's general housing stock.

As many homes as possible at local housing allowance level rent will be available to homeless households, subsidised by letting the remainder at market rent.

It is initially proposed that the housing company would buy a range of properties in or near Reading – but it will also be structured to enable it to develop new housing in the future, both for rent and sale.

The scheme will ultimately reduce spending on costly bed and breakfast accommodation.

In the future, the council says it may also benefit from growth in the value of the properties.

Reading Council’s Lead Councillor for Housing, Councillor Richard Davies, said:

“This is a significant new venture for the council to help tackle the housing crisis in our town, to go alongside other measures we have already taken.

“Lots of people want to live in Reading, meaning that housing is in high demand across the board.

“Demand for affordable housing significantly outstrips supply – and private rents are generally well above levels that are affordable for many people on low incomes.

“This has resulted in the council being forced to increase the use of bed and breakfast accommodation to place homeless households, which is unsuitable for families and expensive for the council.

“The council has looked at various imaginative ways of tackling the situation –
and I believe the bold move of creating a housing company will play a significant role in delivering homes for families in need, while helping to reduce costs.”

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise on a wide range of housing matters, including council’s obligations to re-house and homelessness.

The Duncan Lewis housing department is also able to advise landlords and public sector or private sector tenants on housing matters – including right to rent checks, landlord’s obligations under the Housing Act, disrepair of rented accommodation, Landlord and Tenant disputes, tenancy agreements and unlawful eviction.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – our housing law solicitors also advise homeowners on issues such as debt management and mortgage repossession, as well as planning applications and appeals, and conveyancing.

For expert legal advice on housing law, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 0333 772 0409.