Vulnerable families moved like 'chessboard pieces'

County Durham councillors raised housing concerns at a meeting on Monday

Vulnerable families who are being relocated to new areas without support are "being moved around like pieces on a chessboard", councillors have claimed.

The concerns were raised over local authorities in London moving families hundreds of miles away to County Durham due to housing pressures.

In the last year, two households were moved from London to County Durham every month, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

It was claimed properties are being used by councils without local knowledge and without notifying local authorities.

Labour councillor Rob Crute, representing Blackhall, 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."

Councillors also discussed ongoing issues with mixed-use and empty homes.

The local authority helped move 59 households to alternative accommodation between April and June and brought 52 long-term empty properties back into use.

But Councillor Joyce Charlton, Independent, 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 some residents were being hit with no-fault eviction notices by landlords.

Meanwhile, Crook councillor Anne Reed, Independent, said old retail units were being targeted for housing.

She said: "Yes, we need more properties, but is it right to change our retail areas into houses in multiple occupation? There are concerns there."

Durham County Council is investigating 165 properties for not having a licence.