Arun District Council is accommodating 252 families in short-term housing and has allocated over £3.5 million to emergency and transitional accommodation during the current financial year.

The authority is working to purchase 18 newly constructed homes through a government programme designed to expand local housing options. Of these, ten properties will serve those in need of temporary shelter, while eight will accommodate participants in the Afghan relocation initiative.

Short-term housing is offered to individuals experiencing homelessness while they await permanent residence. The Afghan relocation programme provides assistance to people who have worked alongside the United Kingdom.

Information obtained through a freedom of information request on 12 August revealed that 252 families were residing in temporary accommodation, with the council spending £3,536,454.73 on emergency and transitional housing in 2025/26.

This represents an increase from the figure of more than 211 families recorded in this type of accommodation during June.

Council officials stated that acquiring these homes would decrease dependence on costly emergency shelter, with projected annual savings of approximately £260,000 based on existing expenditure levels.

Eight properties with two bedrooms have received approval for purchase at a combined cost of £2.51 million.

While the acquisitions have not yet been finalised, officials confirmed that 14 properties, nine designated for temporary accommodation and five for the Afghan resettlement programme, are scheduled for completion by 2026-27, with the final four expected in 2028-29.

For the overall initiative, the council has set a maximum budget of £7.465 million, comprising £2.935 million from central government funding, £1.172 million through a planning obligation and £3.358 million through borrowing.