More than a dozen extra homes across Bolton will be leased to support people facing homelessness. This comes after a report last week revealed that as many as 50 families are being put up in chain hotels around the borough at any one time, costing up to £100 each a night. In response, Bolton Council has now agreed to take on leases for an extra 13 properties on a long-term basis to help people at risk of becoming homeless.
Council cabinet member for regulatory services and property Cllr Sue Haworth said: “The cost-of-living crisis has put household budgets under serious pressure at a time when rent and house prices continue to rise. “Like places across the country, the Bolton borough is seeing a major increase in demand on homelessness support services. Bolton Council has agreed to lease extra homes (Image: Newsquest) “This decision will help ease some of that pressure, reduce our dependence on hotels and other costly placements, and ensure more people can be temporarily accommodated in a home that’s right for them.
” The 50 families staying in chain hotels are amongst around 250 who are estimated to be in temporary accommodation around Bolton at any one time. The council has a legal responsibility to provide temporary accommodation to people I need under the terms of the housing act. To help meet this, it has a long-standing arrangement with various housing associations around Bolton.
They have set side several properties on long term leases to provide temporary ac.