Update on Brighton homeless people placed in Eastbourne hotels

The authority came under fire for not consulting with Eastbourne council when it placed 134 homeless people from Brighton in up to seven hotels on the seafront and in the town centre.

Brighton places more than 130 homeless people in Eastbourne hotels

Brighton’s actions were criticised by Eastbourne council officials, police, homeless support groups and mental health teams which said they are already overwhelmed with dealing with local people.

There have also been concerns over anti-social behaviour by some of the people who were literally driven to Eastbourne by Brighton council officials and placed in hotels and holiday flats.

This week, however, Brighton’s housing chief Councillor David Gibson said the authority would start moving people out of the Eastbourne accommodation.

Mr Gibson, joint chair of Brighton council’s housing committee, said, “We do currently have a lot of people placed outside of the city following the Covid-19 emergency response and the government’s directive “Everybody In” to provide accommodation for all verified rough sleepers and those at risk of rough sleeping.

“There has also been very little move on movement due to restrictions under Covid-19 over the past few months.

“However following restrictions relaxing, we are starting to effect some move on which will enable us to start moving people from emergency accommodation including those placed out of area.“

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