Strengthening our commitment to delivering affordable housing

At its February Cabinet meeting, Elmbridge Borough Council aims to reaffirm its long‑standing commitment to increasing the supply of affordable homes and high‑quality temporary accommodation across the borough. In recognition of the continued pressures on local housing and rising levels of homelessness, Cabinet Members will consider a recommendation to allocate up to £11.43 million to support the next phase of the council’s Affordable Housing Delivery Plan.

For many years, housing associations have delivered the majority of affordable homes in Elmbridge. However, in recent years the council has taken a more active role, directly delivering temporary accommodation for homeless households and acquiring properties to provide additional affordable rented homes. 

The Affordable Housing Delivery Plan outlines a series of targeted projects through which the council can continue to expand the availability of affordable housing and temporary accommodation. These projects have been developed to ensure that funding is used effectively, delivery routes are robust, and homes can be made available to local people as quickly as possible.

Three key delivery projects

Small sites initiative

Under this initiative, Storm Housing Group, registered provider of social housing, will purchase several small development sites in Elmbridge, all of which already have planning consent. Storm Housing Group will oversee construction, delivering both market and affordable homes. Elmbridge Borough Council will then acquire the affordable homes and allocate them to households on the local housing register, making use of existing consents while securing new affordable rented homes for local people.

Off‑plan housing purchase

Through this route, the council will purchase market housing that is either under construction or already consented. Developers will complete the properties and the council taking ownership once they are finished. This approach allows the council to increase the supply of socially rented homes more quickly and cost‑effectively.

Housing acquisition programme

The council will continue with our programme of purchasing existing homes on the open market to be used as affordable housing. This approach offers speed and flexibility, though it is dependent on market availability and requires resource for individual acquisitions and refurbishments. It forms an important part of the wider strategy by providing immediate opportunities to house local families.

A continued commitment to residents

Elmbridge Borough Council remains committed to delivering a balanced and impactful programme of affordable housing initiatives that responds directly to local needs. These projects form a critical part of our wider effort to address homelessness, support vulnerable households, and ensure Elmbridge remains an inclusive, sustainable and compassionate borough.

Cllr Alex Batchelor, Portfolio Holder for Housing

• Agenda and papers for Elmbridge’s February Cabinet meeting