A local Land Trust is pushing to reduce homelessness and increase the number of affordable housing in Somerset.

The Somerset Co-operative Community Land Trust (SCCLT) emphasized the urgency at a recent AGM.

Talk came amidst reports of a national rise in homelessness, with figures increasing substantially year on year.

Trust chair, Alan Debenham said: "Nationally, homelessness has seen a double-digit increase since this time last year and that’s echoed across our local community."

Somerset County Gazette: The Somerset Co-operative Community Land Trust (SCCLT) emphasized the urgency at a recent AGM

SCCLT is currently waiting for the green light for 33 affordable homes on two sites in Taunton and Wiveliscombe.

But the trust is not stopping there, exploring new possibilities for further development were also part of the meeting's agenda.

Mr Debenham didn’t downplay the scale of the task, saying: "We have to be ambitious, but we’re more determined than ever to push forward and look for local opportunities to meet the housing crisis in our community."

SCCLT is a not-for-profit organisation, established to provide affordable homes in Somerset, Bath and North-East Somerset, and North Somerset.

The community-led trust, operated by its members, is open to new members who can contribute ideas and have a voice in the rrust’s direction and aspirations.

Mr Debenham emphasised: "For just £1 for life, Somerset residents can help shape how we tackle affordable and sustainable housing at a local level.

"You’ll be adding to our strength and standing and increasing our ability to bring about positive change."

Keen on growing its community impact, SCCLT is inviting volunteers and Board Members.

More information about these and all other initiatives can be found on their website: https://www.somersetcclt.org.uk/ or Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/somersetcclt/

Notably, SCCLT already manages four affordable homes in Taunton and two commercial units, one of which is a community enterprise hub.

This hub has played a crucial role in setting up and developing dozens of co-ops and community enterprises, creating jobs and training opportunities for local residents.

Building upon such successes, the trust aims to provide sustainable homes for rent in urban areas within Somerset, BANES and North Somerset, and, in doing so, alleviate the local homelessness crisis.