Serious concerns have been raised about empty homes owned by Gloucester City Council that were originally intended to house vulnerable individuals. Opposition Conservative councillors recently discovered one of these properties left unsecured, raising alarms about safety and accountability.
Conservative leaders are demanding a clear timeline and a firm delivery plan for when the two vacant council-owned properties will finally provide shelter. Their concerns come amid increasing sightings of people living in tents across Gloucester’s streets.
These vacant properties were purchased expressly to serve as temporary accommodations for those in urgent need, but the City Council has recently paused refurbishment plans due to soaring costs.
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Stephanie Chambers, Conservative group leader for Quedgeley Fieldcourt, condemned the situation as a failure of leadership. “These council-owned homes were left unsecured, allowing anyone to enter freely. That posed clear risks of damage, illegal occupation, and further financial liabilities for taxpayers,” she said. “Yet these buildings have remained empty for over a year without housing a single person.”
Chambers pointed out the stark contrast between empty homes and vulnerable families currently placed in hotels and B&Bs, struggling to manage with limited facilities. “It’s unacceptable that families with children have to live in such conditions while an 18-room building sits unused,” she added.
Chambers called on Councillor Jeremy Hilton, leader of the Liberal Democrat administration, to release immediately a detailed timeline, the total refurbishment cost incurred to date, and a concrete plan with clear dates for occupancy.
Councillor Sajid Patel (Conservative, Barton and Tredworth) echoed these concerns, describing the discovery of unsecured buildings and unused keys as emblematic of the mismanagement under the current council administration.
In response, a City Council spokesperson explained that refurbishment costs have risen substantially due to volatile economic conditions and increased tender prices, forcing a pause in the use of these properties.
“Refurbishing empty homes has traditionally provided a sustainable alternative to costly hotel stays, supporting longer-term housing solutions. Unfortunately, increased costs and strict procurement rules have limited contractor competition and driven prices higher,” the spokesperson stated.
Housing cabinet member Luke Shervey emphasized the need to balance care for vulnerable residents with fiscal responsibility. “When refurbishment costs rise beyond reasonable limits, pausing to reassess options is the right course of action,” he said. “We remain committed to finding ways to expand housing supply and reduce emergency accommodation reliance, while being transparent with residents about the financial realities.”
Amid growing concerns about homelessness and the effective use of public funds, Gloucester City Council faces mounting pressure to provide sustainable housing solutions for its vulnerable citizens.