District Council to increase affordable rent homes available to support those in need

The funding will allow the District Council to purchase 14 additional affordable accommodation to meet increasing demands on homelessness support in the district. These homes can be used to provide accommodation to Ukrainians who have fled war and cannot remain in sponsorship and are at risk of homelessness, along with providing homes to Afghan families currently in bridging hotels.

The funding aims to reduce pressure on local housing and homelessness services so that the District Council can support more households with their housing needs.

Councillor Lee Brazier, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Everyone should have access to a safe, warm, secure and suitable home that meets their needs, and this includes those who have resettled in the district after fleeing war in their home country.

“There is pressure on all local authorities across the country to provide accommodation for families following the unforeseen conflicts in Afghanistan and Ukraine and this funding gives us an extra boost in supporting those who need it.

“Our teams have delivered excellent work supporting families and hosts upon arrival in the district and we’ll continue to do what we can when called upon.”

Councillors endorsed the funding for the purchases during a Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday 11 July.

It’s not the only support the District Council has recently offered to those resettling in the district. In May this year, Newark and Sherwood District Council hosted an evening of entertainment and food for Ukrainian guests to say thank you to the hosts from around the district and to bring the families together one year on from the first guests arriving.