Norfolk councillor calls for drastic action over £9m deficit

It is amid calls for "drastic action" to be taken to avoid a nearly £9m financial black hole in the next four years.

Matthew Taylor, a Conservative councillor for Stalham, questioned whether North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) is doing all it can to tackle the rising costs caused by the need to house people in temporary accommodation.

It comes as the Liberal Democrat-controlled authority is spending £1.3m a year on housing people in B&Bs and hotels after becoming homeless, as well as other inflation pressures on its services.

Bird's eye view from the top of the bell tower of North Walsham Church. (Image: Mark Bullimore)

At a full council meeting this week, Mr Taylor said: "As we stare into a near-£9m black hole over the next four years, with huge pressure coming from temporary accommodation, the role of this council becomes utterly important.

"We need to think big and take drastic action to find resolution as soon as possible."

READ MORE: Number of children homeless in Norfolk reaches record high

Matthew Taylor, Conservative councillor for Stalham (Image: NNDC)

Currently, NNDC has 62 households in temporary accommodation which includes 70 children.

Mr Taylor asked whether the authority had considered using a vacant hotel in Stalham and the Milestones hospital in nearby Catfield to house people in need of a home after it was recently given approval to be changed into housing.

Wendy Fredericks, cabinet member for housing and people's services, said local councils have not been "properly funded for the last 14 years" and that it is doing "everything it possibly can" to address the issue.

This includes purchasing 25 properties to house people.

READ MORE: Shocking figures show state of Norfolk's housing crisis

Wendy Fredericks, cabinet member for housing at NNDC (Image: NNDC) She added that NNDC has investigated using the hotel in Stalham but that it was too expensive to bring it up to standard, while it was more cost-effective to purchase extra modern properties.

But she agreed it would be sensible to explore if the empty Catfield mental health hospital could be brought into use as accommodation.

READ MORE: Council left with 'little choice' as push to build 9,500 Norfolk homes progresses

The Milestones Hospital in Catfield has recently been granted approval to be turned into housing but it currently remains vacant (Image: Sanderson Weatherall)

She added that the council is doing "incredibly well" to address the problem and that other authorities in the country are seeking advice from them.

Ms Fredericks urged people at risk of homelessness to seek help before it is too late.

She said: "If you are worried, please approach us as early as possible.

"In some cases, we can prevent homelessness. Our teams are ready and waiting to help."

WHAT TO DO IF AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS

There are a number of services people can contact if they find themselves in a situation where they are at risk of becoming homeless and need help with housing. 

If you live in the North Norfolk district, you can email housing@north-norfolk.gov.uk or call 01263 513 811.

Visit north-norfolk.gov.uk/tasks/housing-services/advice-about-homelessness for more details about the services offered.

If you live in another district, similar services can also be found on your local council's website.

Other organisations and charities can also offer assistance to those in need.

There are numerous local services, such as Purfleet Trust in King's Lynn, Pathways in Norwich and Future Projects.

National charities like Shelter, Crisis and Citizens Advice can offer advice and guidance.