Following numerous reports from our clients about appalling conditions in temporary accommodation, we joined up with Eastbourne Foodbank to gather more information. We received a lot of stories about infestations of bugs, mould, no bedding or furniture, threatening behaviour and intimidation, drug use, lack of support for vulnerable people. The problem was that, unlike other types of housing, temporary accommodation had no minimum legal standards as to what you could expect. We felt this was wrong and something needed to change.
We met with Eastbourne Borough Council and the local providers of temporary accommodation and have recently agreed a Charter for Temporary Housing which sets out the basic standard which can be expected from providers such as local B&Bs or hotels. This includes giving the Council a way to review individual premises and stop using places which don't provide the minimum requirements.
This work is a major improvement which has been achieved through partnership working and the work of our volunteer teams.