Vulnerable families being relocated to County Durham without support are “being moved around like pieces on a chessboard”, shocked councillors have claimed. 

Local authorities in London have been accused of dumping families hundreds of miles away in County Durham as they cannot cope with increasing demand for housing. 

Homes owned by private landlords are being used by the councils without local knowledge, with Durham County Council revealing it was not notified by any local authorities. 

Councillors yesterday (Monday, October 28) shared their concerns about families arriving in the region without clothes, shoes, or key supplies. 

Rob Crute, member for Blackhalls, told a scrutiny meeting: “We’ve got people being used as commodities and being moved around like pieces on a chessboard. It’s an absolute disgrace. 

“We’re in the 21st century and we’re scraping around to find people clothes to wear. 

“Nobody can tell me there isn’t any available housing between London and County Durham that would be suitable for vulnerable people in genuine need. There are concerns about how they could get away with doing this.”

In the last year, two households were moved up to County Durham every month by London borough councils. The Labour member also lamented how vulnerable people often arrive in the region without a support network or local authority help. 

The concerned comments came as councillors discussed ongoing issues throughout County Durham associated with mixed-use and empty homes. Durham County Council helped move 59 households to alternative accommodation between April and June, and brought 52 long-term empty properties back into use - but issues remain. 

Councillor Joyce Charlton said: “How many of our homeless have been forced out by unscrupulous private landlords? It’s just ridiculous. It’s happening all over the place.”

The member for Tanfield, near Stanley, also said many residents are being hit with no-fault eviction notices by landlords. 

The rapid increase in mixed-use homes appearing in County Durham towns and villages has become a concern among residents and politicians.

Crook county councillor Anne Reed warned former retail units are being targeted by private landlords.

She added: “ Yes, we need more properties, but is it right to change our retail areas into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)? There are concerns there.”

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Durham County Council is investigating 165 properties for not having a licence within Selective Licensing areas. Council powers to regulate landlords and manage agents of privately rented property were introduced in 20222 for 29,000 properties in areas that suffer from low housing demand and/or high levels of anti-social behaviour and/or deprivation.

However, figures show reports of anti-social behaviour in these areas have increased to 966 incidents per 100,000 population, up from 962 the previous year. Dawdon councillor Kevin Shaw said he was “aghast” when reading the figures.

“One of the fundamental reasons for introducing the scheme was to reduce anti-social behaviour in selective licensing areas,” he said.  

The council said that although the figure has increased, it is better than the five year target of 976 incidents per 10,000 population.