Colchester sees more than 300 families homeless, stats show

A total of 336 families are registered as homeless in the city, with 96 of those in bed and breakfasts, and 29 placed outside of the city.

The council spent more than £1million over its budget on the issue last year, according to a senior councillor.

Crisis - Colchester Council spent more than £1million over budget on temporary accommodation (Image: Mike Quinn)

Paul Smith, portfolio holder for housing, said: “We’ve had to borrow some units from the army but obviously it wants them back.

“These people are going through such a tough time and there are a number of families who have been evicted through no fault of their own. I know many councillors have had families in this situation come to them.

“What we have been doing is working with neighbouring authorities and been looking at this on an Essex-wide basis.

“We would like to do more but it comes down to a question of finances. These are such high numbers but we also have a homeless prevention unit which offers a range of support including helping people to stay in their tenancy.

„ Councillor - Paul Smith says the council is doing what it can (Image: Newsquest)

“We are doing a lot but it’s not a problem we can stand or deal with alone. Last year we paid more than £1million above budget because the need has gone up.

“These families, especially those having to be housed outside the city, are facing issues such as getting to and from school or work.”

A Gazette investigation in November, found more than one in ten of people being accommodated in emergency bed and breakfasts had been told to live outside the city – and atthe time Mr Smith described the issue as a “tragedy”.

Brian Cook, chief executive of homeless charity Emmaus in Colchester, said: “The number of people living in temporary accommodation is very worrying. We believe a large part of the issue is a lack of affordable and accessible housing in the area.

“Without this housing on offer, we often struggle to find onward accommodation for the people we support once they are ready to move on from our organisation.

The challenge is not unique to Colchester.”

‘Number of factors to blame for homes shortage’

HOUSING bosses say there are a variety of reasons for an increase in demand for homes.

A spokesperson for Colchester Borough Homes said: “We understand the hardship many families are facing in Colchester due to the lack of affordable housing and the concerning rise in demand for temporary accommodation.

“The increase in demand has several contributing factors: “The conclusion of hosting arrangements for families from Ukraine.

“The termination of contracts for bridging hotels and other temporary accommodation used by the Home Office in Colchester.

“A significant reduction in the availability of affordable properties in the private sector, making it increasingly difficult to prevent homelessness.

“We have seen the highest number of applications during the last year from those previously residing in private rented accommodation.

“We are actively working on solutions to find suitable and sustainable housing for all those in need. This includes close collaboration with neighbouring authorities to explore Essex-wide solutions and continued support through our homelessness prevention unit to help residents maintain their current tenancies.”

Council leader David King said: “We have an acute housing crisis with the costs of mortgages and rents at an all-time high for many, that pushes more families towards homelessness.

“We are deeply worried about the costs and challenge of rising demands for help, and the strains it places upon families at risk.

“We are grateful for the help of Emmaus and other partners, including the Ministry of Defence, in managing this.

We will continue to work with other councils across Essex, and cross party, to help us manage as effectively as possible. It is a priority for this council and we will do all we can to respond to need and to make this a priority for the new government.”

In response to this article, a spokesman from the Military of Defence said: "A small number of military homes which were temporarily not required for military families were leased to the local authority on a short-term basis".

"The lease is reaching its end and the homes are now required for military families."