West Oxon seeks MOD homes for affordable housing

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 06:02 · Archive

West Oxfordshire District Council is calling on the Government to use empty Ministry of Defence homes in Long Hanborough as social housing or temporary accommodation if the MOD decides to sell them.

The council estimates that more than 2,800 households need affordable housing, with over 1,800 currently on the housing waiting list. Despite a near doubling of total housing in the district over the past 40 years, the number of affordable rented homes has decreased. The last residents left the MOD-owned properties on Marlborough Crescent and Becketts Close in November 2024.

Andy Graham, leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said: 'Seeing these homes standing empty is frustrating when there are families on our housing waiting list and people in need of temporary accommodation.' He has written to the Minister for Veterans and People requesting a clear plan for the properties and the chance to explore their use as social housing. The council is also responding to residents' concerns about the condition of the homes and reports of anti-social behaviour nearby. Decisions about the properties remain with the Government.

How it is being reported

• Council calls for vacant MOD homes to be used for affordable housingWest Oxfordshire District Council is calling on the Government to consider using homes in Long Hanborough.Oxford Mail · 25 Oct, 05:00
• Council calls for vacant MOD homes to be used for affordable housingWest Oxfordshire District Council is calling on the Government to consider using homes in Long Hanborough.Oxfordshire Guardian · 25 Oct, 05:00

In this story: West Oxfordshire District Council · Ministry of Defence · Long Hanborough · Andy Graham · Minister for Veterans and People

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