Council buys properties to help tackle homelessness

Published Wednesday 22 January 2025

More homeless people will be helped following Harborough District Council’s purchases of privately owned properties.

image shows Cllr Knight stood outside the front door of a house
Cllr Knight pictured outside a purchased property in Fleckney

By bolstering its own supply of housing stock the council will be able to provide clean, safe and secure temporary accommodation for those most in need.

A mixture of one, two and three bedroom homes have been acquired in Lutterworth, Fleckney and Broughton Astley with further opportunities being explored to buy in other locations across the Harborough district.

The council has allocated £737,000 of capital funding for this project and has received a grant from the government to acquire more houses to help tackle homelessness.

Cllr Jim Knight, Harborough District Council’s Cabinet lead for Wellbeing, said: “I am very pleased we have bought these properties. It is cost effective and prevents families and individuals from being in hotels and B&Bs whilst they are waiting for a more permanent solution to their housing crisis.”

For more information about housing options visit www.harborough.gov.uk/housing