EASTBOURNE MP Josh Babarinde has used a Parliamentary debate to shine a light on what he described as the growing and often overlooked impact of people being housed far from their home communities.
The debate, secured by Mr Babarinde, focused on the strain caused when vulnerable individuals and families are placed in temporary accommodation outside the area where they normally live.
Known as ‘out-of-area placements’, the practice sees councils housing residents in neighbouring or distant local authority areas and has become far more widespread since the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Eastbourne alone, there are currently more than 209 such placements, the majority arranged by Brighton and Hove City Council.
If you’d like, I can also sharpen the quote placement or add a stronger transition into the pressure this creates for local services and charities.
Mr Babarinde highlighted that these individuals and families are often placed miles away from their GP, mental health support, addiction services, and, critically for families, their children’s schools.
As a result, this places additional pressure on the ‘receiving local authority’ as well as local organisations and charities that are already under significant financial strain.
Tragically, in Eastbourne, we have seen the fatal consequences of this broken system.
In January 2023, a 25-year-old man placed in Eastbourne by Brighton & Hove City Council was found dead. An inquiry later found that in the month before his death, no welfare checks had been carried out. Last year, two more people died in Wilmington Square in Eastbourne within days of each other.
In response to Mr Babarinde’s speech. The Homelessness Minister, Alison McGovern, committed to working with the Eastbourne MP and local authorities like Eastbourne Borough Council to tackle the root causes of homelessness. Driving initiative and funding around prevention, and ensuring that those who do find themselves homeless are supported swiftly to get back on their feet.
In a statement, Mr Babarinde said: “I was delighted to secure this debate today, shining a spotlight on the appalling failures caused by some local authorities when residents are placed in temporary accommodation outside their home area.
“In some cases, out-of-area placements are necessary and appropriate, particularly for survivors of domestic abuse who may need to relocate to ensure their safety.
However, in the majority of cases, they have become the easiest option for placing authorities – too often becoming … out of sight, out of mind.
“Local authorities such as Brighton & Hove City Council are failing in their duty of care by placing residents far from vital support networks. And providing little ongoing communication or oversight once those individuals have been moved.
This is undermining the fantastic work of our local Council and various organisations and charities here in Eastbourne”.
