Torbay Council pledges to do more to tackle homelessness

Torbay Council has pledged to do more to tackle homelessness.

A recent ‘spotlight review’ of the plight of homeless people in the bay highlighted the work of the Leonard Stocks Centre in Torquay, which reverted to council control last year.

Cllr Nick Bye (Con, Wellswood) said: “Leonard Stocks has taken a few knocks, but taking it back in house, with the proper support, has resulted in a lot of positive comments.

“Leonard Stocks is a force for good in the town and in the bay, and we should highlight that.”

The council’s cabinet committee heard that at any one time 160 households are in temporary accommodation in the bay, which represents around 70 families and a number of individuals or couples.

The council has bought a number of properties for family home, but also uses hotel or bed and breakfast accommodation for people looking for more permanent homes.

Families can be in temporary accommodation for up to a year, the meeting heard, and the council is working hard to make those stays shorter.

Cllr Alan Tyerman (Con, Churston with Galmpton) said work is under way to accelerate affordable housing projects, but that would be a long-term strategy.

Cllr Bye said the work of the voluntary sector in Torbay to support homeless families is ‘amazing’.

He went on: “We are not going to solve this problem without building more homes, particularly social rented and affordable housing.

“We are already seeing progress made, but we must do more, working alongside partners and the voluntary community sector.”