Somerset Council has reassured residents that no one will be forced out of their homes to make way for emergency accommodation for families in need. The council is actively addressing a pressing housing shortage, with over 12,000 people currently on the housing register, some of whom are temporarily placed in bed-and-breakfast accommodations.
To provide more suitable emergency housing, the council plans to invest nearly £3.4 million over the next year to purchase up to 15 properties. These properties will be sourced from new housing developments as they become available, primarily through Section 106 agreements, which enable councils to secure affordable housing units from developers alongside contributions towards local amenities.
Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, responsible for communities and housing, highlighted the strategic nature of this plan at the full council meeting in Bridgwater on September 25. She emphasized that the funding comes from the council’s housing revenue account (HRA), a separate entity funded by tenant rents rather than general council tax.
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“This proposal reflects a balanced approach between financial responsibility and social need,” said Smith-Roberts. “By purchasing these properties at discounted rates through Section 106 agreements, we can quickly provide emergency housing and reduce reliance on costly temporary accommodation like B&Bs.”
Currently, families in temporary housing in Somerset stay for an average of six to nine months, with longer wait times for single occupants. These newly acquired homes will initially serve as emergency placements and, after approximately two years, will be converted into conventional social housing available through the council’s Homefinder system for long-term residents.
Opposition councillor Bente Height expressed concerns that the initiative might lead to private renters being evicted to accommodate homeless families. However, council officials clarified that the properties will be directly purchased by the council from developers, not rented from private landlords, thereby avoiding displacement of existing tenants.
Councillor Sarah Wakefield, portfolio holder for housing and homelessness, reinforced that this plan does not impact those buying homes in Somerset. She explained that these properties are surplus units on developments that have not been sold, ensuring no competition with general homebuyers.
Areas with the highest housing demand, particularly in the west and north of the county — including the former Somerset West & Taunton and Sedgemoor districts — are expected to be the initial locations for these acquisitions.
This targeted investment represents a proactive step toward improving housing stability for Somerset’s most vulnerable families, blending fiscal prudence with social responsibility and aiming to build a more resilient and inclusive housing system for the future.