£1M to be spent across Chichester District on a number of projects in its Housing, Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2025-30.
The use of the money – which has already been reserved for the Strategy – was approved during a meeting of the council on Tuesday (September 22).
The projects include £300,000 for the setting up of Pinewood House, in Answorth Close, for use as short-term housing for 51 homeless people.
Oona Hickson, cabinet member for housing and revenue and benefits, said she wished there was no need for a Strategy – but, with things like the need for temporary accommodation rising, it remains necessary.
She added: “We have a growing need for temporary accommodation. And what we’re trying to do is control those costs by bringing some of that in-house.”
Another £100,000 in both 2026/27 and 2027/28 will be used to top up the homelessness prevention fund. And £126,000 will be used in both years to support residents in the private sector with improvements to reduce carbon emissions and improve Energy Performance Certificates. This will be on top of £138,000 already spent from the reserve in 2025/26.
Money will also go towards road shows to raise awareness of housing matters across the district, and initiatives for tenants in temporary accommodation.
The sharp rise in the need for temporary housing for individuals, couples and families is very much a nationwide trend driven by pressures such as the cost‑of‑living crisis.
In it’s annual report, published in July, the council stated that 91 households were in nightly paid temporary accommodation, such as bed and breakfast.
Get the latest ALERTS for BREAKING NEWS in the SOUTH on your phone by downloading the V2 RADIO APP today!
V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK is offering half-price deals on a wide range of experiences across the South, from meals out at local restaurants to tickets for some of the region’s biggest events.
Chichester graduates celebrate five-star reviews at Edinburgh Fringe for children's show tackling miscarriage
Chichester MP condemns racist and homophobic abuse experienced by theatre cast as university speaks out
Residents asked for views on plans to tackle traffic congestion and improve bus journeys in Durrington
Police appeal to identify man and woman following parcel theft in Southampton
Met Office issues yellow wind warning for Sussex, Hampshire and Isle of Wight with gusts potentially exceeding 70mph
32 Shops in Portsmouth suspected of having links to organised crime
£600,000 knife crime crackdown launched in Eastbourne, Brighton and Crawley as offences fall by 47%
Paws, pumpkins and puppuccinos as Brighton dogs enjoy their very own Halloween experience
Blow to Reform UK motion refugee motion voted down
Chichester Police issue warning to motorists as darker evenings increase vehicle security concerns
