Student accommodation could help homeless crisis

Colchester City Council's cabinet will debate plans to lease student accommodation at a meeting on 4 September

Student accommodation could be used to tackle a city's homeless crisis under plans being considered by councillors.

Colchester City Council's cabinet is considering proposals to lease an "oversupply" of privately-run student accommodation as an alternative to bed-and-breakfasts.

The properties being looked at include single rooms with shared kitchens, living areas and bathrooms, and self-contained studio flats.

The council has held "constructive discussions" with the University of Essex, but university-owned accommodation is no longer being considered, according to a report prepared for councillors.

Council figures show 364 families in the city were living in temporary accommodation as of 13 August, including 122 in bed-and-breakfasts or similar.

The report, prepared for a meeting on 4 September, said the number of households in temporary accommodation was continuing to rise.

It is costing the council between £38 and £130 a night for single people, and about £160 a night per room for families.

More than 2,500 households are on the council's waiting list for social housing, the report added.