In one of the first steps to tackling the Island’s housing crisis, the Isle of Wight Council has thrown its weight behind modular, relocatable houses.
In a proposal unanimously supported by the cabinet last Thursday, the council will look for 20x 2-bed homes to provide housing for families in the most need.
The council’s housing needs team have so far identified 200 Island families in urgent need of housing and at risk of homelessness.
Councillor Ian Stephens, cabinet member for housing, said the problem was not diminishing and while the houses were not permanent, they were stepping stones for those in danger of homelessness. He said:
“A lot of the private sector has moved away from renting; we need to get things back on track, We are turning this ship around and pushing for this.
“It is imperative we get people out of temporary accommodation and move them along the housing chain.
“We have got to deliver.”
Cabinet members echoed the sentiment that this would help bring a partial solution to the housing crisis and was something that could be brought forward in the short term before more can be done.
The units being suggested will be able to be moved around, although it is thought they will be placed in Newport first. The units have a 60-year lifespan and will have affordable rents and costs, to best support families in need.
Subject to funding approval at full council meeting next month and a business case to borrow the money, it is hoped the houses can be installed as soon as possible.
Then maybe the council should be building ONLY small places for people to rent properly, and not allow massive developments that local people cannot afford buy. Movable rabbit hutches is not the answer. “Affordable rents and costs”, isn’t that what the so called private developers are supposed to be offering, a certain percentage of builds have to be “affordable” but what do they class as “affordable”. This is just a sticking plaster over a gaping wound.
How about you stop the tax payer funded moves to the island, whereby they simply carry on claiming benefits. The taxpayers of the island are not willing to support you borrowing cash, which we will pay back with interest through the council tax.
get rid of the spongers on this island by denying any assistance – then housing will be freed up and no more houses need be built.
you are just using this as an excuse to build more houses and for what – more pollution, more congestion and more council tax money.
councillor stephens – stop trying to wreck our environment or find yourself out of a job soon.
well said couldn’t have put it better
Maybe tell the women in temp housing too stop having babies untill they can pay for them and circumstances are better then
Crowded housing with endless kids popping up is also there way of a bigger freebie.
Granted for some its bad luck they ‘re there but if your in temp which is something too be grateful for but many breed and hold hands out!
Well done IW council, please ignore the above comments.
It is great to have a pro-active and positive attitude when it comes to helping those less fortunate then our selves. So many bitter little people on this site ( and the island in general ). There for the grace of God go I.
perhaps you should house them in your home jollop. I trust you will be paying for their upkeep from your own pocket and enjoying the longer queues for services, because of their presence.
Get back to your surgery Dr ….
I didn’t mean to swear in my last comment
And where will these units be situated I wonder ??
Next door to you hopefully.
Why did you say that ? Are you trying to be nasty. ? It was just a question….
Sorry babe, just got carried away innit x .
Why not put county hall to good use and house them there and the existing residents, well Camp Hill is ready and waiting for you.
Why are the council giving permission to house builders KNOWING priority will NOT BE GIVEN TO ISLANDERS to buy these properties?
Affordable homes for Isle of Wight residents.
It’s really not that difficult is it.