Havering Council is planning to address its financial struggles and growing homelessness crisis by converting empty office buildings into temporary housing. The council will lease Eastgate House to create 34 homes, significantly reducing costs as it moves families out of expensive hotels and is projected to save around £7.1 million. With a significant budget gap and escalating social care costs, Havering is also seeking emergency funding from the government. Local leaders argue for fairer funding, emphasizing the detrimental effects of central cuts on their services and community.
"While we could ask for council tax to be raised above the 5 percent ceiling, we think that would not be sustainable or fair. Why should the taxpayer have to bear the burden of central cuts?"
"Like many councils across the country, Havering is facing a housing crisis. Homelessness due to eviction of tenants from the private rental sector is beyond the council's control and it is happening more and more."
Collection
[
|
...
]