Somerset Council has announced plans to spend nearly £3.4 million on acquiring new homes to provide temporary accommodation for families in need across the county. With over 12,000 people currently on Somerset’s housing register, many families are forced to stay in bed-and-breakfasts while awaiting permanent housing solutions.
The council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA), which manages spending on social housing and maintenance, is projected to end the 2024/25 financial year with an underspend of £3,337,000. This surplus will be redirected into the capital programme to purchase up to 15 properties, aimed at creating emergency and temporary homes for families.
Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, overseeing communities, HRA, culture, equalities, and diversity, emphasized the importance of this investment: “Our HRA reserves are higher than necessary, so reallocating £3.4 million to acquire additional properties will help reduce the significant costs of temporary accommodation and create stable environments for families to rebuild their lives.”
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Councillor Heather Shearer, responsible for children, families, and education, fully endorsed the plans, highlighting the urgency and broader impact: “We must incorporate plans in our Local Plan to support follow-on accommodation. I worry not only about those facing homelessness but also individuals leaving prison or care — we simply do not have enough housing.”
Questions about property locations were raised by Councillor Lucy Trimnell, who sought clarification on whether the homes would be situated within the former Sedgemoor and Somerset West & Taunton areas. Councillor Smith-Roberts clarified that as a unitary authority, the HRA is not confined to those areas. Properties could be purchased anywhere across Somerset where the need is greatest, although availability and developer willingness are key constraints. Some initial acquisitions are planned in Langport, with priority given to areas in west and north Somerset where demand is highest.
Kirsty Larkin, the council’s service director for housing, noted that families typically spend six to nine months in temporary accommodation, with single individuals often experiencing longer stays. The investment aims to shorten these durations by providing more stable housing options.
The proposed expenditure will be reviewed by the council’s communities scrutiny committee on September 17, followed by a final decision at the full council meeting in Bridgwater on September 25.