Castle Point has got more people living in caravans applying for housing benefits than any other council in the UK.

Research carried out by Inside Housing magazine last year discovered the damning evidence which epitomises the Castle Point housing crisis.

Canvey’s Thorney Bay has more housing benefit claims registered to it than any other caravan or mobile home site in the UK. Last year, £1.9m of housing benefit was paid to addresses there.

Castle Point councillor, Dave Blackwell, was saddened by the report and urged for the issue to be properly addressed and actioned.

He said: “I am shocked to read that Castle Point have got more people in caravans than any other council in the UK.

“I am always being told we have no one instead there are over 450 people in caravans paid for by Castle Point dreadful.

“It is shameful because the people living down there are effectively living in a fridge in winter and it is through no fault of their own.

“They can’t afford a suitable lifestyle or even simple things like heating – the kids have no hope.

Mr Blackwell went on to say that the council aren’t doing enough to help and that the issue must be addressed.

He continued: “The council must do more because it comes up in discussion but the situation is just accepted as it is and moved on with no regard for the future.

“Rebecca Harris (MP for Castle Point) must stand up and be counted as it is something she needs to be bringing up and looking to resolve.

“The problem is that the council say that if you’re in a caravan, you’re adequately homed and there you have no chance of getting on the band A for housing.

Mr Blackwell went on to spare a thought for the people being forced to live in poor conditions and was terrified by the potential number of homeless people the council will face in the future.

He continued: “I dread the thought of these people losing their house because their landlord has decided to sell the property but these are the people who are swept under the carpet.

“It’s just not right when you have 450 people in Thorney Bay – with their families – who are claiming for benefits.”