West Suffolk Council is set to invest £3.2 million in purchasing and refurbishing two ‘socially valuable’ properties in Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill. The move will deliver 23 new units of temporary accommodation, reducing reliance on costly bed and breakfasts and offering vital support to vulnerable families and individuals facing homelessness.
Key Takeaways
- Council proposes a £3.2 million investment to buy and refurbish two properties
- 23 additional temporary homes will be created, bringing total units to 72
- Aims to reduce expensive bed and breakfast placements, saving around £458,640 annually
- Properties located in Bury St Edmunds (13 units) and Haverhill (10 units)
- Funding aligns with the council’s Housing, Homelessness Reduction and Rough Sleeping Strategy
Major Investment And Its Aims
West Suffolk Council’s Cabinet will consider a business case to:
- Purchase two properties deemed ‘socially valuable’ in Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill.
- Refurbish them to provide 23 self-contained units, each equipped with communal kitchen, laundry and office space.
- Increase the council-owned temporary accommodation from 49 to 72 units.
Budget allocations include £75,000–£100,000 per property for works to meet housing standards. The scheme directly supports objectives in the council’s Housing, Homelessness Reduction and Rough Sleeping Strategy, adopted late last year.
Addressing Rising Demand
As of 1 July 2025, 70 households were in temporary or emergency accommodation in West Suffolk. Presenting causes include:
- Relationship breakdowns and domestic abuse
- End of assured shorthold tenancies
- Financial pressures on rent and mortgage payments
The new units will cater to families, couples and individuals, including those with mental health needs, learning difficulties, ex-offenders and people battling addiction, under the recently launched West Suffolk Housing Pathway.
Reducing Reliance On Bed And Breakfasts
Current nightly paid placements cost the council about £630 per unit. At 14 units per week, annual expenditure could reach £458,640. By adding in-house temporary accommodation, the council expects to:
- Deliver better value for taxpayers
- Provide more suitable, stable housing environments
- Tailor support to residents’ specific needs
Cost Comparison Table
| Type | Weekly Cost (per unit) | Annual Cost (14 units) |
|---|---|---|
| Bed & Breakfast Placements | £630 | £458,640 |
| Council-Owned Units | N/A (refurbishment cost) | One-off capital spend |
Next Steps And Implementation
Subject to Cabinet approval next week, the council will:
- Finalise purchase contracts for both properties
- Commence refurbishment work immediately thereafter
- Open the first units to tenants by early 2026
Locations remain confidential to protect residents, many of whom are vulnerable to exploitation. The investment marks a significant step in West Suffolk’s commitment to early intervention and long-term solutions for homelessness.