Havering Council marked a new milestone in its ongoing commitment to tackling housing need with a visit to one of the newly acquired Chalkhill properties in the borough.
The property is one of 150 homes purchased through the scheme by the Council across Havering and the surrounding areas to support its housing strategy and provide much-needed accommodation for local people.
This investment not only helps Havering Council to support those in temporary accommodation, it also helps to reduce long term costs so we are not using hotels or other short term accommodation.
The new home was visited recently by Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of the Council, along with Councillor Natasha Summers, Cabinet Member for Housing Need, Councillor Paul McGeary, Cabinet Lead for Housing Property and council officers.
It highlighted the Council’s positive approach to addressing housing challenges, with the Chalkhill property serving as a prime example of the quality and suitability of homes being secured for families, individuals and vulnerable residents in need of stable housing.
Chalkhill works with councils like Havering to help meet housing demand by providing properties on 10-year leases to support housing strategies and help reduce homelessness and the reliance on temporary accommodation.
Councillor Natasha Summers, Cabinet Member for Housing Need, said:
“Our investment of the 150 properties forms part of a wider strategy to increase the availability of affordable housing, reduce reliance on temporary accommodation and support residents.
“The Council has worked closely with Chalkhill to identify and purchase homes that meet high standards and are ready to use straight away.
“This investment reflects our determination to meet the housing needs of our community and ensure that local people have access to the homes they deserve.”
Stewart Booth from Chalkhill, said:
“We are proud to be supporting Havering Council to deliver on their promise to expand housing options in Havering.
“In our partnership with Halo, we will also have devices in the properties to allow remote monitoring of the environmental conditions within homes, reducing the risk of damp and mould, measuring energy consumption and protecting tenants against the risk of fuel poverty.
“This Chalkhill property will soon welcome its new tenants, offering them a fresh start, and a stable foundation for their future. Each property we bring into the portfolio is a step forward to creating more housing for Havering."