South Holland families to get new homes in Donington for Christmas

A family has received an early Christmas present by receiving the keys to their new home.

Amy Young and her two young sons will be moving into one of the new seven homes which have been bought by South Holland District Council just in time for Christmas.

A number of families who were facing Christmas in temporary accommodation will be able to celebrate the big day in their own home thanks to the district council.

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Amy said: “I can’t thank the council enough for this. It means we’ll be moved in by Christmas. The council staff have been superb. It’s the best Christmas present ever!”

The decision to buy the seven new homes in Donington was approved at full council meeting on Tuesday, December 17.

Portfolio holder for Health and Housing Coun Christine Lawton said: "Homelessness and providing housing for our residents is a top priority for the council and I am happy that we can do what we can to cut down on temporary accommodation and house residents in good quality homes rather than bed and breakfast."

Housing services manager Vikki Cherry has praised officers for their hard work in helping families to get new homes.

She said: “I am delighted we are able to provide families with these homes which are immediately available to move into.

“To be able to do this just in time for Christmas will hopefully be a special memory for all involved, and is testament to the hard work and dedication of our officers.

“Issues around homelessness and uncertainty for those in temporary accommodation are especially pertinent at this time of year, and I am pleased that as a council we are committed to ensuring homes are available to those who are most in need and giving families the opportunity to make a real home for themselves in the district.”

Last month, councillors were told that the authority was spending more money than it had forecast on temporary accommodation.

Members were warned of a forecasted £541,000 overspend in the council's General Funds due to a fall in the number of planning applications and increase in costs of providing accommodation.

The November full council was told that the costs of providing temporary accommodation have risen significantly and if the costs continue at this rate, the forecast overspend at the end of the year will be £560,000.