Housing waiting lists soars by more than 4,400 (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Housing waiting lists soars by more than 4,400

10:50am Sunday 12th February 2012 in Winchester By Warwick Payne

THE number of affordable homes being built in Winchester has fallen by two thirds, a homelessness meeting heard.

The waiting list has also soared by 70 per cent in two years to around 4,400 applicants.

Coupled with rising private sector rents, council bosses are under increasing pressure to keep a roof over everyone’s heads.

For the first time since 2002, Winchester City Council is placing homeless families in bed and breakfast.

Last month (January) it was five families, which has since grown to nine.

It is partly because private sector rents in Winchester are rising by up to eight per cent per year. A two-bedroom flat costs around £900 per month.

Yet demand still outstrips supply with some estate agents operating a waiting list for those seeking somewhere to rent.

The details emerged at a homelessness meeting run by the Winchester Churches Nightshelter in Jewry Street.

Almost 100 people came to the event at Winchester Discovery Centre and guest speakers included Andrew Palmer.

He is the council’s head of strategic housing and said it was becoming harder to find homes for families in need.

He said: “The recession came in 2008 but the consequences of the recession are just catching up with us now.”

One effect is that fewer houses, including affordable ones, are being built in the district.

This year around 50 affordable homes will be completed when the usual figure is around 150, Mr Palmer said.

He added that since September, the council had spent £20,000 placing families in bed and breakfast.

Michele Price, who runs the nightshelter, said demand for their 17 places was also running high.

While they provided shelter to around 140 guests last year, a further 400 were turned away.

She added that during the current cold snap, they had increased their capacity from 17 to 21 beds.

She said: “We are seeing more and more people becoming homeless after losing their jobs and being unable to pay their mortgage or rent.”

Steve Cavalier, who offers counselling at the nightshelter, said: “People don’t come here, they end up here.”

He added: “Any of us could be in a position where we end up here, not through choice but through circumstances.”

Along with 17 beds, the nightshelter runs a breakfast club and offers advice on claiming benefits.

It also helps guests to find a permanent home, and does so in 72 per cent of cases, last Thursday’s (February 2) meeting heard.