Opposition challenge homeless housing plan

Opposition councillors are seeking a review of a housing policy which they fear could see homeless families moved to private rented homes outside Northamptonshire.

Reform UK-run West Northamptonshire Council approved the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Discharge Policy last week, arguing it would help tackle rising demand for housing and reduce reliance on costly temporary accommodation in places such as bed and breakfasts.

Concerns were raised after no maximum distance was specified and no requirement needed for applicants to consent to a move.

Charlie Hastie, cabinet member for housing, has said the new policy was "not a silver bullet, but it is a necessary part of the solution".

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the reasons given for the demand for a review included a lack of scrutiny by elected members before the policy reached cabinet, the absence of a financial analysis and concerns about what could happen if a landlord later decided to sell a property.

Sally Keeble, leader of the council's Labour group, also questioned the potential impact on families moved away from the area, including the loss of support networks, employment opportunities and school places.

Last week, she said: "This policy will put [people] back through the revolving door of private sector homelessness.

"Compared with homeless people across the country, government figures show homeless people in West Northamptonshire are much more likely to be working people and more likely to be families, especially single parents, with children."

The decision will be examined by the council's Children, Education and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 29 June.

Do you have a story suggestion for Northamptonshire? Contact us below.

Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.