AN EXAMPLE of new temporary accommodation for homeless people in York has been revealed.

James House in James Street is being converted into 57 new flats by City of York Council, in a £12.4m scheme to replace the current accommodation in Ordnance Lane.

The new flats will help families and couples experiencing homelessness, with one, two and three bedroom self-contained apartments, while offices and training spaces will also be available for City of York Council and tenants in the new development.

The apartments will be allocated to people who are waiting for permanent homes to be found, following work to prevent them becoming homeless in the first place.

A council spokeswoman said the development was funded by £2.451m from Homes England and £9.949m from the council’s Housing Revenue Account, and is part of the authority's plan to deliver 600 new homes for the city over the next five years.

Cllr Jenny Brooks, executive member for housing and safer neighbourhoods, said: "We don’t want anyone to suffer the uncertainty and worry of losing their home which is why we encourage residents to come to us for early and preventative advice and support."

The council works to prevent homelessness in the city, offering advice on debt management, benefits issues, negotiation or legal advocacy and conciliation. However, homelessness continues to be an issue for the city, and The Press revealed more than a quarter of all homeless deaths in 2017 took place in York.

Cllr Carol Runciman, executive member for adult social care and health, said: "Good quality and well-managed temporary accommodation is so important for the dignity and wellbeing of homeless households.

"James House is newly converted above national minimum specifications and, being in the city centre, it keeps households as near as possible to their own communities, work places and schools."

Karen Anderson from Homes England, said: "York has significant affordability pressures and this development will make a huge difference to help individuals and families in the city out of homelessness."