Thanet District Council has been shortlisted for two Local Government Chronicle (LGC) awards.
The awards are the biggest and most prestigious awards ceremony for the local government sector which recognises the best of local government innovation and service delivery.
Thanet has been shortlisted for team of the year for its housing staff and the Live Margate programme is listed for the housing initiative award.
Live Margate
Live Margate is a 10-15 year programme that involves buying existing properties and turning them into quality family homes, making Margate, in particular, Cliftonville West and Margate Central a place where more people want to live.
Thanet council is targeting problem buildings which have been derelict and unoccupied for years.
The £23.1 million project, which will run until 2026 is being funded by organisations including Thanet District Council, Kent County Council and the Homes & Communities Agency.
Housing team
Thanet council’s housing team is working on projects including a new ‘housing first’ scheme which will help with entrenched rough sleepers on a housing first model. The issue of housing is dealt with first and then there is support for personal needs afterwards.
They are also involved with the Winter Shelter homelessness scheme, finding alternatives to emergency accommodation and involved in housing schemes such as last month’s approval to buy between 10 and 12 isle properties.
The aim is to provide homes for Thanet families on the housing waiting list or those who are homeless and living in emergency accommodation.
A £2.13million investment will be made by Thanet council to buy the homes.
‘Proud’
Thanet District Council leader Chris Wells said: “We are proud to have been shortlisted for two awards from the LGC. We are meeting our housing challenges through a range of innovative initiatives and it’s great that the LGC has recognised the dedication, commitment and imagination of our housing team.
“Live Margate is an ambitious programme which involves buying existing properties and turning them into quality family homes. It aims to increase the number of family homes, improve living and housing standards, as well as encourage investment and owner occupation.”
The next stage is to make presentations to judging panels in January setting out why the applications should win the awards.
Results will be announced at the LGC Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.
