Redbridge Council is to move more than 200 of the borough’s homeless families into a former army compound in Canterbury – 60 miles from Ilford.
They beat Canterbury City Council in a bid for the homes at Howe Barracks, which became available for lease from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) late last year.
Redbridge families currently in temporary accommodation will reportedly move into the barb wire fenced compound, containing 208 properties, during the summer.
Canterbury City Council leader Cllr Simon Cook said: “The idea that a London borough can solve some of its housing problems by moving people miles away from friends and family in this way is very regrettable and we will be pushing the Local Government Association and other professional bodies to lobby for a change in legislation.”
He explained Redbridge residents would “place a financial strain on many local public services”, but added “we will do everything we can to help newcomers settle into our community”.
Last year Redbridge Council leader Cllr Jas Athwal accused Westminster Council of “dumping” their poorest residents on Redbridge, after it emerged the central London council had bought ten properties in the borough.
At that time the Labour chief said councils needed to come to an agreement not to buy houses in other local authorities.
A council spokeswoman said: “Due to the pressure in the housing market and the chronic shortage of affordable housing in London, it has become increasingly difficult for us to secure enough local supply.”
She said Westminster buying properties in Redbridge had a “knock on effect” and added homeless families would move “only if they wish to do so”.
There are almost 8,000 people on the council’s housing list.
Salvation Army leader John Clifton told the Recorder buying homes at Howe barracks “wasn’t fair or a solution to the housing crisis”.
For the full story see tomorrow’s Recorder.
What do you think? Email ralph.blackburn@archant.co.uk.
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