Thurrock Council has adopted a new housing strategy that recognises that a safe and secure home is a vital bedrock to good health and well-being.
Cllr Spillman, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: "This innovative strategy focuses on making sure that our residents have access to safe, secure, stable, warm, and affordable homes and recognises that as a solid foundation from which they can protect their health and well-being.
"We will end all out-of-borough temporary accommodation placements, unless it is the choice of the applicant or required for safeguarding reasons. We will continue to guarantee that it is never necessary for any Thurrock resident to rough sleep in the borough.
"The strategy also commits Thurrock Council to investing in our sheltered housing complexes, to delivering major regeneration projects at Blackshots and Teviot Avenue and to build new homes on the site of the old council offices in New Road, Grays. Additionally the council will leverage new technology to drive repairs, improvements and estate management in line with residents' expectations by giving them a voice in meaningful engagement about all aspects of housing.
"It recognises that home is the bedrock around which we build our lives, a good home is both a springboard to prosperity and comforting place where we care for ourselves and our loved ones.
"I would also like to remind residents that funding is available to help households who find themselves in financial hardship, including help with utility bills, by applying to the Essential Living Fund."
Cllr Huelin, Cabinet member for Adults and Health, said: "By bringing together housing and health in this way, we recognise how linked these aspects of our lives are and how difficult it is to lead a healthy and stable life without the security of a safe and stable home.
"By making sure that current residents and future generations have access to good homes we can play a huge role in providing better health outcomes for all who live in Thurrock."
Cabinet formally adopted the Housing Strategy 2022-2027, the Housing Asset Management Strategy 2022-2027 and the Housing Resident Engagement Strategy 2022-2027.