As of 30 June 2022, there were 68 homeless households in temporary accommodation arranged by Elmbridge Borough Council. This is a figure we want to decrease. A thriving Elmbridge is one that supports all its residents within the borough, which is why are we are taking steps to increase the supply of temporary accommodation within the borough.
Work has commenced on the creation of eight modular temporary housing units on the site of the former Esher Citizens Advice buildings; we expect these units to be ready before the end of the year.
We are also using £2M (previously allocated from the Housing Enabling Fund) to purchase dwellings in the borough to use as self-contained temporary accommodation. Two dwellings have been purchased and one will be let by next soon, the second is being renovated in advance of being let, while an offer has been accepted on a third and offers are being prepared on several more.
A proposal to allocate a further £3M from the Housing Enabling Fund for the purchase of a further eight homes is imminent, while we continue to engage with private and social, lettings agents and owners of empty homes landlords in Elmbridge potential temporary accommodation.
Cllr Neil Houston, Portfolio Holder for Housing
September 2022