Empty council buildings should be considered for emergency housing as homelessness continues to rise across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
The BCP Green Party says it wants the council to explore whether unused or surplus buildings could provide short term accommodation, arguing that structurally sound properties should not remain empty while people are struggling to find somewhere safe to sleep locally.
In a statement, the party said councils are facing significant financial pressure and are being forced to sell assets, but added that the potential for emergency accommodation should be actively explored whenever a council owned building is placed on the market.
It said this approach would require safeguards and would not be a long term solution, but stressed there is a responsibility to consider all options during delays before redevelopment is completed.
Green Councillor Joe Salmon said every empty building highlights the scale of the housing crisis, adding that it is unacceptable for council owned properties to sit unused while rough sleepers and families are placed in unsuitable shared accommodation.
BCP Council currently has a consultation open until February 5 on its draft Homelessness Strategy 2026 to 2031, which aims to prevent homelessness, reduce the time people spend without a home and stop it from happening again.
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