07/07/2023: Breckland votes to become registered housing provider

Breckland Council's Cabinet have voted unanimously for the organisation to become a registered housing provider.

This decision taken at the meeting on 3 July will allow the council to manage a portfolio of social housing stock in the future. It will also open-up a number of options and opportunities for the council to help address housing needs in the district. Working to prevent homelessness, ensuring residents have suitable, safe homes, and improving the district's housing supply are all strategic priorities for Breckland Council.

Claire Bowes, Executive Member for Housing & Homelessness, commented:  This step will open up opportunities to access new options and funding which will enable us to further improve the range of housing in the district and help meet local demand. We recognise the significant issues our residents face in finding appropriate and affordable housing.  We are listening and are working constantly to try and ease that burden for those most in need."

The move follows the council's decision to invest £1.8m into the Elm House site in Thetford, creating new temporary accommodation capable of supporting up to 35 people at one time.

In March of this year, a partnership between Breckland Council and Broadland Housing Association created five newly built homes in Thetford to support former rough sleepers.