Housing case studies: Availability of suitable social housing

August 6, 2024

Herefordshire has a significant shortage of available housing stock to meet the demand. Herefordshire Council identified and gifted some land in Leominster for a ground-breaking veteran self-build project, partnering with Stonewater Housing (a social housing provider), local builders Harpers, and Alabare charity. Ground was broken at the end of 2018, and the project was completed at the end of 2020. Nine veterans, of whom six were classed as homeless with a range of complex needs, took part, building their own homes whilst also gaining experience, training, and construction qualifications. It had a positive and significant impact on their lives. A total of 19 homes were built, reducing social housing waiting times in the county. Herefordshire Council is now seeking other sites where this can be replicated.
East Lothian Council created some brand-new properties specially for veterans, comprising six 2-bedroom flats, three of which are fully wheelchair-accessible units on the ground floor. These are council tenancies set aside for the express use of veterans, who were identified and nominated by Veterans Housing Scotland. All six properties have been allocated. These tenancies have all been sustained and the residents have integrated well into their local community.