Over 100 bids for each social home 'unsustainable'

Stockton's council said it had seen a 19% increase in the number of people registering for social housing

An "unsustainable" number of bids are being registered for each social home that becomes available, a council has warned.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council said it wanted to address the lack of affordable housing in the area, where on average 113 bids are placed on each property.

The authority blamed the cost of living crisis for a 19% increase in the number of people signing up to rent one of those homes across the borough.

Councillor Nigel Cooke, cabinet member for regeneration and housing, said the council was "looking at exploring a range of options" so housing could improve.

The Labour-led council said it wanted to increase the number of affordable homes for rent and for sale.

Initial plans are set to be discussed at a cabinet meeting on Thursday.

It added a consultation was under way with housing providers and developers to gather their ideas for boosting supply.

Mr Cooke said: "Our current providers do an excellent job and remain committed to building affordable homes in our borough, but we've seen a 19% increase in applications to the housing register in 2023/24.

"In fact, an average of 113 bids are placed on each property advertised and we recognise this isn't sustainable.

"This is a key piece of work because the cost of living crisis has led to a huge rise in demand for affordable housing for residents across the borough."

A further report is set to be considered by the cabinet later this year, once the different options to increase affordable housing have been finalised.