Housing chiefs have agreed to look again at the ban on visitors for people living in emergency accommodation in Brighton and Hove.
The aim of the ban was to keep vulnerable people safe when staying in hostels and to prevent things like anti-social behaviour and drug-dealing.
But members of Brighton and Hove City Council have heard how the ban can also exacerbate some of the problems experienced by people who could be “at rock bottom”.
Councillor David Gibson accepted that there would be difficulties in reviewing the ban on visitors but said: “That is quite important for residents’ emotional and psychological wellbeing. It’s something that those of us sitting round this table would take for granted.”
Councillor Mary Mears said: “I do understand the complexity around this but we do need to be mindful that these are some of our most vulnerable people and support from family and friends is vital.
“I understand the concerns around anti-social behaviour. And there will be financial implications so I understand the need for a report.
“We need to look at the bigger picture. The more help and support they can get, the quicker they can rebuild their lives.”
The council’s Housing and New Homes Committee voted unanimously to have a report brought before the next meeting in September.
The issue was discussed after Daniel Harris, 32, of Percival Terrace, Brighton, presented a petition – signed by about 1,600 people – to the council in March.
Mr Harris also spoke about the issues on The Vote, the politics and current affairs programme on Latest TV, yesterday (Tuesday 14 June).
His petition called on the council to adopt a ten-point plan, including revoking the ban on visitors, providing proper cooking equipment – not just microwaves – and inspecting emergency housing more often.
He urged the council to find ways to give residents a voice, such as through surveys, to provide free internet access and to ensure hot water was available.
Councillor Gibson said before the committee meeting at the Friends’ Meeting House, in Brighton, today (Wednesday 15 June) that the council should take “urgent and decisive steps” to address the poor living conditions in emergency accommodation for homeless people.
He said that the petition highlighted the plight of homeless people who had been put up in emergency housing which can be cold, damp and lacking in hot water and basic cooking facilities.
He praised Mr Harris – “a resident in emergency accommodation who has been campaigning tirelessly to raise awareness of the issue”.
Councillor Gibson said: “The campaign gained momentum last week with a public meeting of residents urging that standards be improved.
“Thanks to Daniel’s public stand, the private landlord directly involved has pledged improvements to the accommodation he lives in.”
He said that at the public meeting – the first meeting of the Emergency and Temporary Housing Residents Action Group (ETHRAG) – people in difficult circumstances and shared their stories.
They spoke about the poor quality of their rooms and facilities, of difficult staff sometimes and their struggles.
He added: “These are people who are often at rock bottom.
“We need to work in partnership with the group and listen to what residents have to say about the quality of their accommodation and the need for improvements.
“The impact of residents organising has already been felt. Daniel was talking about a threat of eviction which has since been lifted.
“It’s been lifted by the landlord Helgor and not only that but they’ve agreed to a programme of changes and improvements based on the brave stand that residents have taken.
“Residents organising together is achieving great results.”
Mr Johnson said: “I am pleased to see the cross-party support for my petition to improve standards for emergency accommodation in the city.
“There is still much more work to be done though. I am keen for councillors and the city council to establish the Emergency Accommodation Board which will be instrumental in raising standards and providing residents with a voice.
“I would like to make it clear though that I am unhappy with the continued delay until September.”
I must also say as someone who lives near three of these hostels that it would be nice if someone considered the residents of area the hostels are in, too – because it means we regularly have to put up with anti social behaviour, vandalism, litter etc on our doorsteps.
I would be happy for local residents living nearby to come and talk at s future ETHRAG meeting, we want to work for all sides, and work to improve all aspects.
Wish I could have been there. Sounds very positive.
About time, well done Daniel for all your time and hard work regarding all this.
Perhaps local residents are intimidated by some people in the housing. It is often anti social behaviour by some that give social housing a bad name. The lack of support shown by the council to people with poor mental health, actually exacerbates the condition.
As a member of Ethrag I would like to see a robust effort by the council to show they are actioning the prevention of homelessness instead of persistent beaurocratic failures to create the circumstances that this group has been exposing. Other councils are far more effective and perhaps another local authority might intervene to give an example of a far superior practice. Too many people in Brighton council being paid to NOT do the job. Too many of the same faces producing the same results…homelessness. Heads of housing : result no housing . Daniel never mentioned the blatant fraudulent goings on.
Head of housing was arrested. Mears the building firm …bug questions on …where is the money.
Long term rentals need to be put in place so people can get on with their lives, study, get well, work. Simple. Just do it BHCC.
Well put Jacqui.
I am personally engaged with local residents and businesses near my accommodation and have seen the negative effects of anti-social behaviour of some residents, both inside and outside the accommodation. Business owners have been adversely effected by this behaviour, and yet are kind enough to offer help and support.
Reasonable people will deal with reasonable people.
Only the other day I mentioned that a young mother was sharing a bed with her 2 kids, and within 12 hours a travel cot was donated by a neighbour.
Wonderful.
However, it should not be left to individual acts of kindness; this is the responsibility of the council.
There is no significant sign-posting to the many agencies and charities which can provide help and support. Not 4 months ago the council abolished the service of Housing Support officers, who had, I am told, pretty much fulfilled this role.
We at ETHRAG intend to work at bringing together useful and helpful information for people in emergency and temporary accommodation to ease their circumstances at what is, an extremely difficult time.
I have been living in Percival terrace since September 2017, there for over a year now, I have mental health condition and PTSD, they have changed nothing since this article, still not allowed visitors, the rooms are in a state,I have lost a lot of weight as microwave food is not healthy, my mental health is deteriorating.
Percival terrace is a nightmare place to live and a year later still not offered an alternative.
Someone needs to take another look at Percival terrace ASAP…
Here’s an idea….stop punishing all landlords good or bad with your all encompassing tax increases and concentrate on the bad landlords……oh, but that would mean the landlords raking it in from the council who pay them money to provide the worst accommodation I have seen to the most vulnerable in our society…no chance of that then. As for Percival Terrace….I’ve seen inside and it’s a disgrace, but boy oh boy what a money spinner……..