Council to take action to help drive down homelessness in Castle Point

12:00pm Monday 11th March 2013 in News

Set for action - the Castle Point Council Housing Options Team Set for action - the Castle Point Council Housing Options Team

CASTLE Point Council is devising a new action plan to help tackle rising numbers of homelessness in the borough.

Over the last five years the number of people approaching the council who are threatened with homelessness has risen by 47 per cent – from 790 cases in 2008 to 1,165 cases in 2012.

During that time the council has helped a total of 4,683 families who were struggling to keep a roof over their heads.

Last year alone, the authority saved 138 families from homelessness, 34 cases of which required emergency attention.

Now, the council is working hard to devise a new four-year homelessness strategy to try and buck the trend.

The council’s policy and scrutiny committee met to discuss the plan last week.

Wendy Livings, head of housing and communities, said at the meeting: “Homeless applications are increasing but we would expect that because of the economic situation we have been facing over the last few years.

“Families represent almost half of all our cases and it is going to become a growing issue. We are also seeing the number of parental evictions increasing. In this difficult climate more people are finding it difficult to find work and keep their homes."

Numbers are expected to rise even higher following changes under the Government’s Welfare Reform Act – the biggest change in the welfare system for 60 years.

Eoin Egan, Conservative councillor for Appleton ward, said: “We have got to act. A lot of people probably do not know at the moment how things will manifest.

“Our residents are going to need a lot of advice when it comes to money when these changes are bought in.”

The authority is looking at improving their website to make advice more accessible to the public, improving their Mortgage Rescue Scheme, and encouraging more landlords to link up with the council to provide emergency accommodation to families in dire need.

Currently there are only seven emergency B&B rooms available to families facing homeless in Castle Point, with the council often having to house people in neighbouring boroughs such as Basildon, Southend and even Thurrock.

Proposals also include conducting workshops in secondary schools to educate young people on the impact of homelessness and the difficulties of living a life on benefits.

The new strategy, which will run until 2016, is expected to be bought in this May

Comments (16)

1:48pm Mon 11 Mar 13

Cosmo Spring says...

will all those houses they want to build on Jotman's Farm be council houses in order to house as many people on the waiting list as possible?

That might cut the amount of homeless people....
will all those houses they want to build on Jotman's Farm be council houses in order to house as many people on the waiting list as possible? That might cut the amount of homeless people.... Cosmo Spring

2:48pm Mon 11 Mar 13

John T Pharro says...

Notice "138 families". So why are Castle Point Council constantly voting for flats which are not suitable for families? Surely it is the numbers game. I think we all have knowledge of one bedroom bungalows with families living in them on Canvey. Seems Castle Point Council put more emphasis on numbers than needs.
Notice "138 families". So why are Castle Point Council constantly voting for flats which are not suitable for families? Surely it is the numbers game. I think we all have knowledge of one bedroom bungalows with families living in them on Canvey. Seems Castle Point Council put more emphasis on numbers than needs. John T Pharro

4:20pm Mon 11 Mar 13

Carnabackable says...

Canvey and Benfleet, two ideal locations, for the Government drive to build hundreds of new properties, both for families and single people.
Caste point need to develop these under used assets, and as help will be offered from the Government, now seems the ideal time for change.
Now I'm aware of the few, who cannot abide change, in the immediate locality, preferring to enjoy "their own space" however the very land they live on, was once a field.
So no progress has a cost, SO LETS BEGIN THE SPEND
Canvey and Benfleet, two ideal locations, for the Government drive to build hundreds of new properties, both for families and single people. Caste point need to develop these under used assets, and as help will be offered from the Government, now seems the ideal time for change. Now I'm aware of the few, who cannot abide change, in the immediate locality, preferring to enjoy "their own space" however the very land they live on, was once a field. So no progress has a cost, SO LETS BEGIN THE SPEND Carnabackable

6:18pm Mon 11 Mar 13

John T Pharro says...

Carnabackable wrote:
Canvey and Benfleet, two ideal locations, for the Government drive to build hundreds of new properties, both for families and single people.
Caste point need to develop these under used assets, and as help will be offered from the Government, now seems the ideal time for change.
Now I'm aware of the few, who cannot abide change, in the immediate locality, preferring to enjoy "their own space" however the very land they live on, was once a field.
So no progress has a cost, SO LETS BEGIN THE SPEND
What about Rayleigh for the properties. Especially on the hills. Nice 4 storey flats that can overlook the listed properties. Even fewer people who "cannot abide change". The very land they live on was probably once a field as well.
How do you fancy that?
[quote][p][bold]Carnabackable[/bold] wrote: Canvey and Benfleet, two ideal locations, for the Government drive to build hundreds of new properties, both for families and single people. Caste point need to develop these under used assets, and as help will be offered from the Government, now seems the ideal time for change. Now I'm aware of the few, who cannot abide change, in the immediate locality, preferring to enjoy "their own space" however the very land they live on, was once a field. So no progress has a cost, SO LETS BEGIN THE SPEND[/p][/quote]What about Rayleigh for the properties. Especially on the hills. Nice 4 storey flats that can overlook the listed properties. Even fewer people who "cannot abide change". The very land they live on was probably once a field as well. How do you fancy that? John T Pharro

6:29pm Mon 11 Mar 13

Carnabackable says...

John T Pharro wrote:
Carnabackable wrote:
Canvey and Benfleet, two ideal locations, for the Government drive to build hundreds of new properties, both for families and single people.
Caste point need to develop these under used assets, and as help will be offered from the Government, now seems the ideal time for change.
Now I'm aware of the few, who cannot abide change, in the immediate locality, preferring to enjoy "their own space" however the very land they live on, was once a field.
So no progress has a cost, SO LETS BEGIN THE SPEND
What about Rayleigh for the properties. Especially on the hills. Nice 4 storey flats that can overlook the listed properties. Even fewer people who "cannot abide change". The very land they live on was probably once a field as well.
How do you fancy that?
Don't forget a sugar lump, with your medication, might dispel the taste of sour grapes, your obviously suffering over the future mass building on Canvey.
[quote][p][bold]John T Pharro[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Carnabackable[/bold] wrote: Canvey and Benfleet, two ideal locations, for the Government drive to build hundreds of new properties, both for families and single people. Caste point need to develop these under used assets, and as help will be offered from the Government, now seems the ideal time for change. Now I'm aware of the few, who cannot abide change, in the immediate locality, preferring to enjoy "their own space" however the very land they live on, was once a field. So no progress has a cost, SO LETS BEGIN THE SPEND[/p][/quote]What about Rayleigh for the properties. Especially on the hills. Nice 4 storey flats that can overlook the listed properties. Even fewer people who "cannot abide change". The very land they live on was probably once a field as well. How do you fancy that?[/p][/quote]Don't forget a sugar lump, with your medication, might dispel the taste of sour grapes, your obviously suffering over the future mass building on Canvey. Carnabackable

6:32pm Mon 11 Mar 13

Carnabackable says...

Cosmo Spring wrote:
will all those houses they want to build on Jotman's Farm be council houses in order to house as many people on the waiting list as possible?

That might cut the amount of homeless people....
I think like Canvey, it would be the ideal place, to rehouse all those from the London boroughs, who will be leaving, due to the new rulings on housing benefits.
[quote][p][bold]Cosmo Spring[/bold] wrote: will all those houses they want to build on Jotman's Farm be council houses in order to house as many people on the waiting list as possible? That might cut the amount of homeless people....[/p][/quote]I think like Canvey, it would be the ideal place, to rehouse all those from the London boroughs, who will be leaving, due to the new rulings on housing benefits. Carnabackable

6:34pm Mon 11 Mar 13

John T Pharro says...

Carnabackable wrote:
John T Pharro wrote:
Carnabackable wrote:
Canvey and Benfleet, two ideal locations, for the Government drive to build hundreds of new properties, both for families and single people.
Caste point need to develop these under used assets, and as help will be offered from the Government, now seems the ideal time for change.
Now I'm aware of the few, who cannot abide change, in the immediate locality, preferring to enjoy "their own space" however the very land they live on, was once a field.
So no progress has a cost, SO LETS BEGIN THE SPEND
What about Rayleigh for the properties. Especially on the hills. Nice 4 storey flats that can overlook the listed properties. Even fewer people who "cannot abide change". The very land they live on was probably once a field as well.
How do you fancy that?
Don't forget a sugar lump, with your medication, might dispel the taste of sour grapes, your obviously suffering over the future mass building on Canvey.
You are just not a very nice person who has no sympathy whatsoever for anyone who you consider a lesser person than yourself. As benfleet101 says you just want an argument. No point in responding anymore to your rants.
Bet your neighbours if they know who you are and assuming you actually live in the grand manner you say aren't impressed with your opinions.
[quote][p][bold]Carnabackable[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]John T Pharro[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Carnabackable[/bold] wrote: Canvey and Benfleet, two ideal locations, for the Government drive to build hundreds of new properties, both for families and single people. Caste point need to develop these under used assets, and as help will be offered from the Government, now seems the ideal time for change. Now I'm aware of the few, who cannot abide change, in the immediate locality, preferring to enjoy "their own space" however the very land they live on, was once a field. So no progress has a cost, SO LETS BEGIN THE SPEND[/p][/quote]What about Rayleigh for the properties. Especially on the hills. Nice 4 storey flats that can overlook the listed properties. Even fewer people who "cannot abide change". The very land they live on was probably once a field as well. How do you fancy that?[/p][/quote]Don't forget a sugar lump, with your medication, might dispel the taste of sour grapes, your obviously suffering over the future mass building on Canvey.[/p][/quote]You are just not a very nice person who has no sympathy whatsoever for anyone who you consider a lesser person than yourself. As benfleet101 says you just want an argument. No point in responding anymore to your rants. Bet your neighbours if they know who you are and assuming you actually live in the grand manner you say aren't impressed with your opinions. John T Pharro

6:48pm Mon 11 Mar 13

Carnabackable says...

John T Pharro wrote:
Carnabackable wrote:
John T Pharro wrote:
Carnabackable wrote:
Canvey and Benfleet, two ideal locations, for the Government drive to build hundreds of new properties, both for families and single people.
Caste point need to develop these under used assets, and as help will be offered from the Government, now seems the ideal time for change.
Now I'm aware of the few, who cannot abide change, in the immediate locality, preferring to enjoy "their own space" however the very land they live on, was once a field.
So no progress has a cost, SO LETS BEGIN THE SPEND
What about Rayleigh for the properties. Especially on the hills. Nice 4 storey flats that can overlook the listed properties. Even fewer people who "cannot abide change". The very land they live on was probably once a field as well.
How do you fancy that?
Don't forget a sugar lump, with your medication, might dispel the taste of sour grapes, your obviously suffering over the future mass building on Canvey.
You are just not a very nice person who has no sympathy whatsoever for anyone who you consider a lesser person than yourself. As benfleet101 says you just want an argument. No point in responding anymore to your rants.
Bet your neighbours if they know who you are and assuming you actually live in the grand manner you say aren't impressed with your opinions.
We all live in Castles, and hopefuly live within our means, and enjoy a degree of freedom of speech, something which I hasten to add, you enjoy , yet alas, when an arguementitive points of view are reciprocated your way, you tend to throw your teddy in the corner, making rather simplistic gestures of reason, to back your opinions.
[quote][p][bold]John T Pharro[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Carnabackable[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]John T Pharro[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Carnabackable[/bold] wrote: Canvey and Benfleet, two ideal locations, for the Government drive to build hundreds of new properties, both for families and single people. Caste point need to develop these under used assets, and as help will be offered from the Government, now seems the ideal time for change. Now I'm aware of the few, who cannot abide change, in the immediate locality, preferring to enjoy "their own space" however the very land they live on, was once a field. So no progress has a cost, SO LETS BEGIN THE SPEND[/p][/quote]What about Rayleigh for the properties. Especially on the hills. Nice 4 storey flats that can overlook the listed properties. Even fewer people who "cannot abide change". The very land they live on was probably once a field as well. How do you fancy that?[/p][/quote]Don't forget a sugar lump, with your medication, might dispel the taste of sour grapes, your obviously suffering over the future mass building on Canvey.[/p][/quote]You are just not a very nice person who has no sympathy whatsoever for anyone who you consider a lesser person than yourself. As benfleet101 says you just want an argument. No point in responding anymore to your rants. Bet your neighbours if they know who you are and assuming you actually live in the grand manner you say aren't impressed with your opinions.[/p][/quote]We all live in Castles, and hopefuly live within our means, and enjoy a degree of freedom of speech, something which I hasten to add, you enjoy , yet alas, when an arguementitive points of view are reciprocated your way, you tend to throw your teddy in the corner, making rather simplistic gestures of reason, to back your opinions. Carnabackable

9:32pm Mon 11 Mar 13

Nebs says...

The government seem to be taxing everything else. I'm surprised they haven't introduced a £50 breeding license as a long term solution to this problem.
The government seem to be taxing everything else. I'm surprised they haven't introduced a £50 breeding license as a long term solution to this problem. Nebs

10:42am Tue 12 Mar 13

perini says...

Nebs wrote:
The government seem to be taxing everything else. I'm surprised they haven't introduced a £50 breeding license as a long term solution to this problem.
Long/Short term solution is to shut the borders and hang a 'Full' sign up !!
[quote][p][bold]Nebs[/bold] wrote: The government seem to be taxing everything else. I'm surprised they haven't introduced a £50 breeding license as a long term solution to this problem.[/p][/quote]Long/Short term solution is to shut the borders and hang a 'Full' sign up !! perini

2:51pm Tue 12 Mar 13

John T Pharro says...

Carnabackable wrote:
John T Pharro wrote:
Carnabackable wrote:
John T Pharro wrote:
Carnabackable wrote:
Canvey and Benfleet, two ideal locations, for the Government drive to build hundreds of new properties, both for families and single people.
Caste point need to develop these under used assets, and as help will be offered from the Government, now seems the ideal time for change.
Now I'm aware of the few, who cannot abide change, in the immediate locality, preferring to enjoy "their own space" however the very land they live on, was once a field.
So no progress has a cost, SO LETS BEGIN THE SPEND
What about Rayleigh for the properties. Especially on the hills. Nice 4 storey flats that can overlook the listed properties. Even fewer people who "cannot abide change". The very land they live on was probably once a field as well.
How do you fancy that?
Don't forget a sugar lump, with your medication, might dispel the taste of sour grapes, your obviously suffering over the future mass building on Canvey.
You are just not a very nice person who has no sympathy whatsoever for anyone who you consider a lesser person than yourself. As benfleet101 says you just want an argument. No point in responding anymore to your rants.
Bet your neighbours if they know who you are and assuming you actually live in the grand manner you say aren't impressed with your opinions.
We all live in Castles, and hopefuly live within our means, and enjoy a degree of freedom of speech, something which I hasten to add, you enjoy , yet alas, when an arguementitive points of view are reciprocated your way, you tend to throw your teddy in the corner, making rather simplistic gestures of reason, to back your opinions.
You really are full of yourself. Try having a look at the Ofsted reports for the Infant Schools and Primary Schools in Rayleigh and compare them with Canvey. If you think we are all such idiots on Canvey how do you explain that all Canvey schools are Good or better whereas Rayleigh has a Satisfactory Ofsted for one school. It does have one Outstanding school, just like Canvey.
[quote][p][bold]Carnabackable[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]John T Pharro[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Carnabackable[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]John T Pharro[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Carnabackable[/bold] wrote: Canvey and Benfleet, two ideal locations, for the Government drive to build hundreds of new properties, both for families and single people. Caste point need to develop these under used assets, and as help will be offered from the Government, now seems the ideal time for change. Now I'm aware of the few, who cannot abide change, in the immediate locality, preferring to enjoy "their own space" however the very land they live on, was once a field. So no progress has a cost, SO LETS BEGIN THE SPEND[/p][/quote]What about Rayleigh for the properties. Especially on the hills. Nice 4 storey flats that can overlook the listed properties. Even fewer people who "cannot abide change". The very land they live on was probably once a field as well. How do you fancy that?[/p][/quote]Don't forget a sugar lump, with your medication, might dispel the taste of sour grapes, your obviously suffering over the future mass building on Canvey.[/p][/quote]You are just not a very nice person who has no sympathy whatsoever for anyone who you consider a lesser person than yourself. As benfleet101 says you just want an argument. No point in responding anymore to your rants. Bet your neighbours if they know who you are and assuming you actually live in the grand manner you say aren't impressed with your opinions.[/p][/quote]We all live in Castles, and hopefuly live within our means, and enjoy a degree of freedom of speech, something which I hasten to add, you enjoy , yet alas, when an arguementitive points of view are reciprocated your way, you tend to throw your teddy in the corner, making rather simplistic gestures of reason, to back your opinions.[/p][/quote]You really are full of yourself. Try having a look at the Ofsted reports for the Infant Schools and Primary Schools in Rayleigh and compare them with Canvey. If you think we are all such idiots on Canvey how do you explain that all Canvey schools are Good or better whereas Rayleigh has a Satisfactory Ofsted for one school. It does have one Outstanding school, just like Canvey. John T Pharro

2:51pm Tue 12 Mar 13

John T Pharro says...

Carnabackable wrote:
John T Pharro wrote:
Carnabackable wrote:
John T Pharro wrote:
Carnabackable wrote:
Canvey and Benfleet, two ideal locations, for the Government drive to build hundreds of new properties, both for families and single people.
Caste point need to develop these under used assets, and as help will be offered from the Government, now seems the ideal time for change.
Now I'm aware of the few, who cannot abide change, in the immediate locality, preferring to enjoy "their own space" however the very land they live on, was once a field.
So no progress has a cost, SO LETS BEGIN THE SPEND
What about Rayleigh for the properties. Especially on the hills. Nice 4 storey flats that can overlook the listed properties. Even fewer people who "cannot abide change". The very land they live on was probably once a field as well.
How do you fancy that?
Don't forget a sugar lump, with your medication, might dispel the taste of sour grapes, your obviously suffering over the future mass building on Canvey.
You are just not a very nice person who has no sympathy whatsoever for anyone who you consider a lesser person than yourself. As benfleet101 says you just want an argument. No point in responding anymore to your rants.
Bet your neighbours if they know who you are and assuming you actually live in the grand manner you say aren't impressed with your opinions.
We all live in Castles, and hopefuly live within our means, and enjoy a degree of freedom of speech, something which I hasten to add, you enjoy , yet alas, when an arguementitive points of view are reciprocated your way, you tend to throw your teddy in the corner, making rather simplistic gestures of reason, to back your opinions.
You really are full of yourself. Try having a look at the Ofsted reports for the Infant Schools and Primary Schools in Rayleigh and compare them with Canvey. If you think we are all such idiots on Canvey how do you explain that all Canvey schools are Good or better whereas Rayleigh has a Satisfactory Ofsted for one school. It does have one Outstanding school, just like Canvey.
[quote][p][bold]Carnabackable[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]John T Pharro[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Carnabackable[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]John T Pharro[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Carnabackable[/bold] wrote: Canvey and Benfleet, two ideal locations, for the Government drive to build hundreds of new properties, both for families and single people. Caste point need to develop these under used assets, and as help will be offered from the Government, now seems the ideal time for change. Now I'm aware of the few, who cannot abide change, in the immediate locality, preferring to enjoy "their own space" however the very land they live on, was once a field. So no progress has a cost, SO LETS BEGIN THE SPEND[/p][/quote]What about Rayleigh for the properties. Especially on the hills. Nice 4 storey flats that can overlook the listed properties. Even fewer people who "cannot abide change". The very land they live on was probably once a field as well. How do you fancy that?[/p][/quote]Don't forget a sugar lump, with your medication, might dispel the taste of sour grapes, your obviously suffering over the future mass building on Canvey.[/p][/quote]You are just not a very nice person who has no sympathy whatsoever for anyone who you consider a lesser person than yourself. As benfleet101 says you just want an argument. No point in responding anymore to your rants. Bet your neighbours if they know who you are and assuming you actually live in the grand manner you say aren't impressed with your opinions.[/p][/quote]We all live in Castles, and hopefuly live within our means, and enjoy a degree of freedom of speech, something which I hasten to add, you enjoy , yet alas, when an arguementitive points of view are reciprocated your way, you tend to throw your teddy in the corner, making rather simplistic gestures of reason, to back your opinions.[/p][/quote]You really are full of yourself. Try having a look at the Ofsted reports for the Infant Schools and Primary Schools in Rayleigh and compare them with Canvey. If you think we are all such idiots on Canvey how do you explain that all Canvey schools are Good or better whereas Rayleigh has a Satisfactory Ofsted for one school. It does have one Outstanding school, just like Canvey. John T Pharro

3:29pm Tue 12 Mar 13

Carnabackable says...

Copy and Paste, Copy and Paste
Copy and Paste, Copy and Paste Carnabackable

3:34pm Tue 12 Mar 13

John T Pharro says...

Carnabackable wrote:
Copy and Paste, Copy and Paste
Look it up yourself on the Essex County Council website.
[quote][p][bold]Carnabackable[/bold] wrote: Copy and Paste, Copy and Paste[/p][/quote]Look it up yourself on the Essex County Council website. John T Pharro

6:03pm Tue 12 Mar 13

John T Pharro says...

John T Pharro wrote:
Carnabackable wrote:
Copy and Paste, Copy and Paste
Look it up yourself on the Essex County Council website.
Found out haven't you and as usual when you find something about Rayleigh that shows it in as bad or worse light than Canvey your silence is deafening.
[quote][p][bold]John T Pharro[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Carnabackable[/bold] wrote: Copy and Paste, Copy and Paste[/p][/quote]Look it up yourself on the Essex County Council website.[/p][/quote]Found out haven't you and as usual when you find something about Rayleigh that shows it in as bad or worse light than Canvey your silence is deafening. John T Pharro

7:12pm Tue 12 Mar 13

John T Pharro says...

John T Pharro wrote:
John T Pharro wrote:
Carnabackable wrote:
Copy and Paste, Copy and Paste
Look it up yourself on the Essex County Council website.
Found out haven't you and as usual when you find something about Rayleigh that shows it in as bad or worse light than Canvey your silence is deafening.
Teddy in the corner, taken your sugar lump, with your medication to dispel the sour grapes, because you don't like what you have found out?
[quote][p][bold]John T Pharro[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]John T Pharro[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Carnabackable[/bold] wrote: Copy and Paste, Copy and Paste[/p][/quote]Look it up yourself on the Essex County Council website.[/p][/quote]Found out haven't you and as usual when you find something about Rayleigh that shows it in as bad or worse light than Canvey your silence is deafening.[/p][/quote]Teddy in the corner, taken your sugar lump, with your medication to dispel the sour grapes, because you don't like what you have found out? John T Pharro

Comments are closed on this article.

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree