'Stop sending us your homeless people', Eastbourne council leader tells Brighton and Hove

By Rebecca Maer

The deaths of two men housed in temporary accommodation in an Eastbourne hotel have led the council leader to step up his demand for other local authorities to stop moving vulnerable people to the town.

Councillor Stephen Holt, leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, told the Eastbourne Reporter in a statement that people should not be placed out of their home area, away from support networks.

The Eastbourne Reporter has asked Brighton and Hove City Council (BHCC) what welfare arrangements are in place for people they have placed in temporary accommodation in other towns. We have yet to receive a response.

The bodies of the two men, aged 38 and 60, were found within eight days of each other at the Ellesmere Hotel in Wilmington Square on April 28 and May 6 respectively. 

Both had been placed in temporary accommodation at the hotel by BHCC.

A Sussex Police spokesman confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances in either case and that a report will be prepared for the coroner.

Cllr Holt said in a statement to the Eastbourne Reporter: "My thoughts and sympathies are firstly with the families of the deceased who have passed away.

“I have long stated that the actions of other councils in placing [people] out of area is wrong. People who are homeless will be more vulnerable and an out-of-town placement means that they find themselves away from the support networks they are likely to rely on.

"On multiple occasions, I have called for the leader of Brighton and Hove City Council to stop placements out of area, and house individuals in their own localities and communities with appropriate safeguarding and support. I reiterate those calls today, for the sake of the most vulnerable within her city.

"I have also written to East Sussex County Council and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government [asking them] to take urgent action."

Cllr Gill Williams, BHCC's Cabinet member for housing and new homes, said in a statement to the Eastbourne Reporter last week: "First and foremost our condolences go to the friends and family of the two people who sadly died.   

"It would not be appropriate for us to comment in detail over such a sensitive issue other than to say that, like other local authorities in Sussex, we do use Ellesmere Hotel for emergency, temporary accommodation when there are no suitable in-city options available. 

"This is booked on an ad hoc basis when needed and to make sure any residents we are supporting can urgently access safe accommodation."

In February last year, a safeguarding review was launched after a vulnerable 25-year-old tenant from Brighton and Hove died after being placed in Eastbourne.

BHCC councillors were told at the time that he died during a period when no welfare checks were carried out for more than a month because of staff leave, with no cover provided. It is understood welfare checks should be carried out on a weekly basis.