50 Peterborough flats to be used as temporary accommodation for city’s homeless

The council has agreed terms to lease 51 properties at Bushfield Court, Orton Goldhay, which it will use from early 2021.

The authority said: “Peterborough City Council has made good progress in reducing the numbers of homeless over the last year; however, there is still an ongoing requirement for housing that can be used for temporary accommodation, especially where it can be leased at Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates.”

The flats were being leased to a housing association, but the contract ends this month.

The council added: “When the landlord takes back possession there will be a programme of refurbishment and (subject to any unexpected delays with the building trade) the aim is for the properties to be ready for occupation in early 2021.

“Once building works reach practical completion, PCC’s surveyor will inspect to ensure the works have been carried out to a satisfactory standard, prior to occupation.”

The council recently did a U-turn on a deal to buy more than 70 homes at St Michael’s Gate in Parnwell after saying it was no longer using B&Bs for temporary accommodation.

However, the authority did agree a two year lease to continue using the homes for the homeless.