Southend-on-Sea City Council Seeks Public Input on Tackling Homelessness
Published: 07/03/2025
Southend-on-Sea City Council is calling on residents, landlords, and businesses to share their views on how private rented housing can support homeless households.
With a record high number of homeless households in temporary accommodation, the council is exploring ways to provide more stable housing solutions. As part of its legal duty, the council must offer temporary accommodation to certain homeless households until permanent housing becomes available. However, temporary options like B&Bs without cooking facilities are both costly and unsuitable for long-term living.
Southend-on-Sea City Council is now actively seeking feedback on a proposed policy to offer more stable housing options by expanding the use of suitable private rented accommodation.
Nickolds Property Management provides housing solutions to households across Southend.
The proposed policy includes:
- Ending the main homelessness duty with an offer of suitable, affordable private-rented accommodation, even if the applicant prefers social housing.
- Prioritising settled accommodation within Southend-on-Sea, but considering Rochford and Castle Point if settled housing cannot be secured in Southend within set timeframes
- Ensuring no household is placed beyond Rochford or Castle Point unless the applicant wishes to move out of the area
- Unique circumstances will be considered - private rented housing will not be appropriate or affordable for all
Councillor Anne Jones, cabinet member for planning and housing, commented, ‘We're working hard to increase social housing, but we must also be realistic, there simply isn't enough for everyone who needs it. That's why we want to make better use of private rented housing, to help people move into settled homes more quickly.’
Nickolds Property Management has been working with both vulnerable households and private landlords to help reduce homelessness across Essex, including Southend-on-Sea. Nickold’s offers various housing solutions, including HMOs and emergency housing for anyone seeking accommodation, including disabled living, young families, and homeless individuals.
With the council’s support, Nickolds is making a significant contribution to reducing homelessness across the area. Through the continued support of private landlords, Nickolds can carry on delivering its essential work to those who need it most.
The public consultation is now open until Tuesday, 29th April 2025, at 5 pm. Residents, landlords, and other interested parties are encouraged to take part by visiting Your Say Southend.
At Nickolds Property Management, we're a family business committed to making a difference in our communities. Our focus is on providing housing solutions for the vulnerable and homeless in Hertfordshire, Essex, and Bedfordshire. With a compassionate approach, we strive to create positive impacts and help those in need find a place they can call home.
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