Rough sleepers in Brent will be housed in a new council-run property as part of an initiative to reduce reliance on “expensive” temporary accommodation.

Brent Council’s cabinet approved plans to purchase the eight-flat property in Wembley Park Drive, around 400 metres from the Civic Centre, at a meeting this morning (Monday, March 8).

The exact cost of the scheme was withheld under the Local Government Act 1972 on the basis it could be commercially sensitive, though a council report confirmed it will be funded through a combination of a grant from the Greater London Authority (GLA) and borrowing.

Alan Lunt, strategic director for regeneration and environment at Brent Council, explained the decision will ultimately result in financial savings since it will cut costs incurred through temporary accommodation, such as bed and breakfasts, offered to rough sleepers.

Cllr Eleanor Southwood (Lab, Queens Park), who is responsible for housing and welfare reform at Brent Council, said this represents a move towards a more “sustainable” approach to managing homelessness in the borough.

She noted it follows on from the council’s efforts in supporting those living on the streets during the Covid-19 pandemic – where nearly 250 people were temporarily rehoused – while it will enable it to take greater control of the quality of accommodation offered to rough sleepers going forward.

Cllr Muhammed Butt (Lab, Tokyngton), leader of Brent Council, added: “It’s part of [the council’s] commitment to provide accommodation to some of our most vulnerable residents in their time of need.”

According to the cabinet report, there will be support for residents at this site for three years under the Mayor of London’s ‘Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme’.