New homes for Torbay and Afghan families

Half a million pounds in government money will be used to snap up four homes in Torbay as the local council grapples with a housing crisis.

Members of Torbay Council’s cabinet meet next week (July 14) with the homes proposal at the top of the agenda.

A report to the meeting says there has been a ‘notable increase’ in the number of people homeless in the bay, with 1,400 households being assessed in 2024/25.

More than 160 are currently in temporary accommodation, with demand increasing and places in short supply.

Three homes will go to local families needing temporary accommodation, while the fourth is part of the Afghan Resettlement Programme, which helps families who supported the British forces during conflict in Afghanistan and whose lives may be in danger in their home country as a result.

The first three three-bedroomed homes will be new-builds in Paignton, while the fourth has not yet been identified.

The government is providing £551,500 towards the project while the council will have to find the remaining £750,000. The report points out that funding the new homes will be cheaper than paying out for unsuitable temporary accommodation elsewhere.

It says buying the four houses will help the council reduce the number of families with children being forced to live in unsuitable bed and breakfast accommodation which is not suitable for long-term occupation.

The council could get the keys to the first three ‘modern, well-insulated and efficient’ homes in September.

Once the need for temporary accommodation has passed, and if no Afghan refugee families need housing, the homes can become part of the council’s social housing stock.

The location of the homes has not been disclosed.