A Thurrock councillor has accused the council of “social cleansing” after new figures revealed that a growing number of vulnerable families are being moved to neighbouring boroughs.

The Thurrock Independent Party claims that more than 100 families could be permanently housed outside of the borough by the end of the year after obtaining data which shows 35 vulnerable families have been placed in permanent private rented accommodation since May 1.

The largest number of these rehomed families have ended up in Basildon, where nine are now living in privately rented accommodation. Romford is second on the list with eight, then Harlow with six.

Southend has received fewer than five Thurrock families in permanent accommodation but the borough has consistently been used for families in temporary accommodation. In 2017-18, it topped the list with 63 families and 10 individuals moved to the borough.

A further 15 families have been moved there since May, along with 13 individuals.

The leader of the party, Luke Spillman, sais the council is “active participants in social cleansing” and he estimates as many as 118 families could be permanently rehoused out of the borough by the end of the year.

Last year there was just 15.

Speaking of the impact on neighbouring boroughs, Mr Spillman said: “The councils themselves will face increased difficulty and costs in placing homeless families in either temporary or permanent accommodation within their own boroughs. Many families who become homeless have underlying vulnerabilities and require significant support. The authorities within which Thurrock Council are placing such families will now be responsible for meeting the cost of these support needs.”

Councillor Don Morris, chairman of the Housing Committee in Basildon said: “Local authorities across the county are committed to preventing homelessness and providing suitable, affordable, long-term housing solutions for residents in their own boroughs wherever possible, however, this is not always possible.

“There is nothing illegal in local authorities using whatever stock they can to meet demand. Basildon Council is committed to encouraging local landlords to work with us to increase our own housing capacity.”

Councillor Tony Cox, who is responsible for housing in Southend, said: “Neighbouring councils placing someone in temporary accommodation in Southend-on-Sea does not impact on how we allocate our own temporary accommodation to those in need locally.

“Whilst we own much of our own temporary accommodation, unfortunately we have no control over another authority’s policy in this area, and whilst they are meant to inform us of any intention to house residents in our area through a statutory temporary accommodation placement, they do not need our permission to do so.”

Cllr Barry Johnson, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “Thurrock Council takes its obligations to households who are homeless, or threatened with homelessness, extremely seriously. The authority works hard to ensure that everyone it owes a housing duty to is offered safe, secure and suitable accommodation.

“This can be both within and outside the Borough depending on the individual circumstances of the household concerned and the availability of appropriate accommodation.”