A dispute has flared between two neighbouring seaside councils over the rehousing of homeless people. Eastbourne Borough Council has called on Brighton and Hove City Council to review its policy of using hotels in Eastbourne and Newhaven as emergency accommodation.
Brighton and Hove has leased entire hotels in these areas, moving 299 people out of the city since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to figures obtained by the BBC. Eastbourne council voted unanimously to demand that Brighton use government funding to find accommodation within its own boundaries instead.
Alan Shuttleworth, Liberal Democrat Eastbourne cabinet member, criticised the policy, saying: 'It is truly shocking that Brighton council have refused to recognise their duty to find accommodation in Brighton for people they have a responsibility to assist.' He claimed 11 people moved out of the area had died, three in Eastbourne and eight in Newhaven.
Brighton and Hove City Council responded: 'We are moving people back to the city as soon as we can. We hope to be in a position to provide additional accommodation within the city in the next few weeks, which will relieve pressure on Eastbourne.' The council also noted the pressures were part of a wider regional problem.
