Council assigns £12m for temporary accommodation

West Northamptonshire Council says it wants to offer a safe temporary solution for homeless people

A council has approved a budget of more than £12m to fund relocatable temporary accommodation, to address the demand for temporary housing.

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) plans to deliver about 100 units across two sites in Northampton to reduce reliance on nightly lets and bed-and-breakfast accommodation.

The units are designed to support residents by giving them a stable address to help secure employment, while aiding the transition back into conventional housing.

The council said the project could save it about £667,000 a year.

Conservative Rosie Herring, cabinet member for housing, said the scheme would "lay the groundwork for long-term benefits" in the community.

A spokesperson from WNC said it was "still exploring options" over what type of units to purchase.