Decision on purchase of new flats due next week.
Scores of families in need look set to be found a home in the coming months as Milton Keynes City Council steps up its plans to make more permanent homes available to people living in temporary accommodation.
Next week, MKCC is expected to buy 21 new flats in Fairfields to house families in need. The 18 two-bedroom flats and three one-bedroom properties are currently being built but are expected to be available to families awaiting council homes from next January. A council decision to approve the purchase of the flats is due to take place next week.
Located on Apollo Avenue, the flats are in the last phase of development and include two commercial units on the ground floor, with a local grocery shop.
The purchase is being funded by money the city council has obtained through properties sold via the Right to Buy scheme along with developer contributions towards affordable housing.
The city council says it wants to make more permanent homes available to families currently in temporary accommodation through actively preventing homelessness, providing longer-term housing and supporting tenants into the private rented sector.
The city council’s new build programme is also underway with 183 homes being built on the Lakes Estate and a further 66 homes planned at Cripps Lodge in Netherfield.
“We’re really pleased that we’re able to buy these high-quality flats, which will provide a safe and secure home for families in need,” said Cllr Ed Hume, Cabinet Member for Housing.
“We’re always looking at ways we can increase our housing offer whether that’s building homes ourselves or buying them on the market.
“That said, we’ve seen a huge rise in demand and we’re doing our best to house the people most in need. We’ll continue our efforts to prevent homelessness in the first place and support people find a home that’s right for them.”
