A COUNCILLOR has claimed funding for a service that helps vulnerable people in Thurrock’s private rented accommodation has been cut in half to assist refugees.
The borough’s Well Homes scheme provides support and services to improve the housing conditions and well-being of residents in Thurrock.
It has been credited with providing savings for the council by reducing the burden on social services in the long-term.
Alex Anderson, Reform councillor for Stanford East and Corringham Town, questioned the administration at full council asking why assistance for some of the borough‘s least well-off was being “reduced to prioritise implementation of national refugee programmes”.
Mr Anderson said he believed assessments under the scheme had been cut by more than half.
Speaking at the meeting he said: “I understand it’s not a pleasant position to be in, moving from one country to another, particularly under these sorts of circumstances but taking resources form Well Homes is an inappropriate reprioritisation of council resource.
Mark Hooper, councillor responsible for health and wellbeing said he would provide a written answer to Mr Anderson.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Anderson said: “Thurrock‘s Well Homes scheme supports residents living in private accommodation across the borough.
“However, through 2022, 2023 and 2024 assessments under the scheme were down by more than half on pre-covid 2019 levels. The council has told me a decision was taken to cut resource from Well Homes in order to prioritise projects such as Afghan Resettlement Programme and Homes for Ukraine Scheme.”
Mr Anderson added: “It’s my contention that cutting resource from Well Homes, a scheme that supports some of the least well-off residents across Thurrock, indicates on this occasion the council has its priorities wrong.”
Mr Hooper said he was yet to hear back from officers about the issue but he said he would be “disappointed” if it were the case. He said: “I’m still waiting to get an answer from the council. I’ve asked officers for information on two points, has the budget been cut and has the budget been diverted help Afghanistan families.
“I’d be disappointed because it’s a good scheme In terms of having a full wrap around approach to our housing care which is what our strategy has been about so I would be surprised if there is a cut.”
