Broadland council approves £1.3m plan to for temporary homes

Broadland District Council has agreed to spend an extra £1.3m on purchasing additional accommodation for people and families in need. 

But tensions rose amid concerns the council was not doing enough to prevent homelessness in the first place. 

Fran Whymark, cabinet member for housing, said the council currently spends around £250,000 per year housing families in bed and breakfasts, which could rise to £2m if demand continues to increase. 

Mr Whymark argued that by purchasing new homes they would be able to provide accommodation cheaper and to a standard BDC wants. 

Stuart Beadle (Image: Liberal Democrats)

But Liberal Democrat councillor Stuart Beadle criticised what he saw as a move away from prevention towards support after people were already homeless. 

The Conservative leader of the council, Shuan Vincent, then accused Mr Beadle of “essentially making up stuff”.  

The Lib Dem councillor disagreed, swearing in response. 

Mr Vincent said BDC has improved its performance in tackling homelessness, with rising issues coming from covid and cost of living pressures. 

The funding was unanimously approved.

BDC is currently looking to purchase a property in Hellesdon. 

Thorpe Lodge, home to Broadland District Council's offices (Image: Newsquest)