By james art Local authorities in London have been accused of throwing families hundreds of miles away in County Durham because they cannot cope with rising housing demand.
Homes owned by private landlords are being used by councils without local knowledge, with Durham County Council revealing it was not notified by the local authority.
Councilors yesterday (Monday 28 October) shared their concerns about families arriving in the region without clothes, shoes or keys.
Rob Krute, a member of Blackhalls, told a scrutiny meeting: “We have people being used as commodities and moved around like pieces on a chessboard. This is an absolute disgrace.
“We’re in the 21st century and we’re looking for clothes that people can wear.
“No one can tell me that there is no housing available between London and County Durham that would be suitable for vulnerable people in genuine need. There are concerns about how they could get away with it.”
Over the past year, two households have been relocated to County Durham every month by London councils. The Labor MP also complained how vulnerable people often arrive in the region without a support network or help from local authorities.
The concerned comments came as councilors discussed ongoing issues across County Durham relating to mixed and empty homes. Durham County Council helped move 59 households into alternative accommodation between April and June and brought 52 long-term empty properties back into use – but problems remain.
Councilor Joyce Charlton said: “How many of our homeless have been forced out by unscrupulous private landlords? It’s just ridiculous. This happens everywhere.
Member for Tanfield, near Stanley, also said many residents had been affected by no-fault eviction notices from landlords.
The rapid growth of mixed-use homes popping up in County Durham’s towns and villages has become a concern among residents and politicians.
Crook County Councilor Anne Reed has warned that former commercial properties are being raided by private landlords.
She added: “Yes, we need more properties, but is it right to change our retail space to houses in multiple occupancy (HMOs)? There are concerns.”
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Durham County Council is investigating 165 properties for not having a license in selective licensing areas. The Council’s powers to regulate landlords and manage privately rented estate agents were introduced in 20222 for 29,000 properties in areas that suffer from low housing demand and/or high levels of anti-social behavior and/or deprivation.
However, figures show that reports of anti-social behavior in these areas have increased to 966 incidents per 100,000 population, up from 962 the previous year. Dawdon councilor Kevin Shaw said he was “appalled” when he read the figures.
“One of the main reasons the scheme was introduced was to reduce anti-social behavior in selective licensing areas,” he said.
The council said that although the figure had increased, it was better than the five-year target of 976 incidents per 10,000 population.