Croydon Council’s Cabinet has approved a new temporary accommodation charging policy that provides a fair, transparent and consistent approach to rents and service charges whilst continuing to support residents.
Like many councils across London, Croydon is facing growing demand for temporary accommodation alongside rising costs. The new policy will help make sure available funding is used more effectively and support the long-term sustainability of the service.
As a result, rents and service charges for temporary accommodation at Concord, Sycamore and Windsor House will be brought in line with Housing Benefit regulations. The service charges will better reflect the cost of providing services such as building maintenance, security, cleaning and communal facilities.
Before bringing the proposals forward, the Council carried out a detailed review of all households affected by the proposed changes. The assessment found that 98% of the 337 households affected will see no financial impact because any increase will be covered by housing benefit. Of the remaining households two chose to remain and will see a small increase of up to £2 per week. The six households that chose to move were supported to find suitable alternative accommodation.
The changes are expected to generate around £1.4m a year through additional rental income and recovery of service costs. This will help reduce pressure on the service whilst continuing to provide safe and secure accommodation for residents who need it.
The decision forms part of the Council’s wider work to improve temporary accommodation services and make sure support remains available for residents who need it.
“The demand for temporary accommodation continues to grow, and councils cannot simply ignore the financial pressures that come with it. We have a responsibility to take practical action that protects services for residents today and in the future. This decision creates a clearer and fairer approach to charges whilst helping us make better use of the funding available to support those in temporary accommodation.
“Where changes affect individual households, we have taken a careful and proportionate approach. Every affected household has been individually assessed and supported, with the vast majority seeing no financial impact and tailored support provided for those whose circumstances required it.
“This is how we protect services, manage public money responsibly and make sure support remains available for Croydon residents who need it most.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
