The Highland Council has revealed a new approach to housing the homeless.

Councillors have set a target of providing 200 new homes over the next four years for people who find themselves in an emergency homeless position.

The Council plans to gradually reduce the amount of money spent on purchasing temporary accommodation from the private sector, such as Houses of Multiple Occupation, and instead opt to build and acquire an expanding pool of one-bedroom homes in appropriate locations that can be used as a temporary base for the homeless.

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The new initiative was revealed at a meeting of the Finance Housing and Resources Committee. Its Chairman Dave Fallows welcomed the initiative.

He said: "This will provide the homeless with far better life chances in suitable quality self-contained accommodation with a kitchen/living room with separate bathroom and bedroom. Provision of the new houses will reduce the stigma attached to homelessness by improved integration into communities. Importantly, it also provides the Council with greater value for money, an expanded number of council houses and hopefully reduced homelessness."

Council Leader Drew Hendry, who led the new approach, added: "Any properties identified for use as temporary accommodation can be located to ensure access to appropriate facilities and support and to allow homeless people to become part of a community, thereby giving them greater security, stability and an opportunity to develop independent living skills and appropriate social skills."

(JP/CD)