Rushmoor Borough Council has been informed that Newham Borough Council has now signed an agreement to lease apartments in Savoy Place in Farnborough, from the private owners, to use as temporary accommodation for homeless families from the London borough. The Council wishes to make clear that it does not have any power to prevent this arrangement.
The Council has been in contact with Newham Borough Council to consistently and regularly express its concerns about the proposals for the former Ham and Blackbird site, particularly the suitability of the site for children because of the lack of outdoor space and closeness to busy roads. Highway issues were one of the main reasons why the council refused planning consent for the development in 2015, although this was later overturned at appeal by government inspectors.
The Council has also highlighted issues with families being moved from their support networks in London and the possible future impact on our own housing services. We have also noted the potential additional demand on local schools and health services, and we are aware that Newham have been talking to our partners, Hampshire County Council and the NHS about this.
The Council assists and houses local people every day and questions have been raised as to why we aren’t using these apartments for local homeless families. The Council cannot afford to use these properties because of the costs. Government rules for financial support are based on local rent levels. This means that because rental rates are higher in London than in Rushmoor, Newham has access to higher levels of funding so it can afford to pay higher rents. For more information on how out of area placement by other councils works please see our web page.
Although we are not in a position to prevent this arrangement, the Council will take steps to make sure the developers meet all the planning conditions for the building, including making a financial contribution of £700,000 to the council for new affordable homes elsewhere in the borough, providing 11 affordable shared-ownership flats and making a financial contribution towards work at the nearby Queen Elizabeth Park.
The Leader of Rushmoor Borough Council, Councillor Gareth Williams, said:
“I am deeply concerned about the impact of out-of-area placements on communities and the families involved.
“I will be writing to the Deputy Prime Minister to urge a review of the financial arrangements which allows wealthier councils to outbid others due to disparities in housing benefit, and to strengthen the Local Government Association’s advice to ensure a fairer and more sustainable approach between councils. It is essential that all councils are supported to meet their housing responsibilities without shifting challenges elsewhere.
We will continue to work to protect our community and deliver equitable housing solutions.”
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