Growing concerns have been raised about vacant council homes in Gloucester, intended to provide shelter for vulnerable individuals, with opposition councillors discovering one property left unsecured.
Conservative councillors are demanding a clear timeline and firm action plan detailing when these two empty council-owned houses will begin housing those in need, especially as more people have resorted to living in tents across Gloucester.
Security issues at these properties, acquired for temporary accommodation, have also sparked alarm. The City Council recently suspended its plan to refurbish and use these homes due to escalating renovation costs.
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Stephanie Chambers, Conservative group leader for Quedgeley Fieldcourt, condemned the situation as a “failure of basic leadership,” highlighting that the properties were left accessible, posing risks of damage, unlawful occupation, and increased taxpayer costs. These buildings remained empty for over a year without sheltering a single person.
She emphasized the stark contrast between these vacant 18-room buildings and families currently placed in hotels and bed and breakfasts, struggling with limited facilities. Chambers called on Councillor Jeremy Hilton and his administration to immediately publish a clear timeline, comprehensive cost details, and a concrete plan for when the properties will be ready to house residents. “Gloucester residents deserve answers now,” she insisted.
Councillor Sajid Patel also expressed frustration, citing the unsecure state of the buildings and criticizing the Liberal Democrat-led council’s management. He reported finding keys to the back door and promptly notifying the council.
The City Council responded by acknowledging the substantial rise in refurbishment costs, prompting a pause in their housing plans. They emphasized their responsibility to balance safe accommodation for vulnerable residents with prudent use of public funds.
A council spokesperson explained that refurbishing empty homes usually offers a sustainable alternative to costly hotels and B&Bs, reducing reliance on short-term emergency accommodation. However, volatile economic conditions have driven up construction and refurbishment prices, compounded by strict national procurement rules limiting contractor competition and thus inflating costs further.
Housing cabinet member Luke Shervey stressed the need to balance compassion for those needing help with safeguarding public finances. He stated that when refurbishment costs exceed reasonable levels, pausing to review and make fiscally responsible decisions benefits the community in the long run.
The council remains committed to increasing housing supply and decreasing reliance on emergency accommodations while remaining transparent with residents regarding the financial challenges impacting these choices.