Essex: Councillor calls for change to prevent housing crisis

The new housing summit will be held in Colchester on 15 February

A significant change will be needed to prevent a "housing crisis" from taking hold in north Essex, said the chair of north Essex councils' leaders.

Chris Whitbread spoke as councils from across the region were due to meet with housing specialists, politicians and charities as part of a housing summit.

The conference intends to help find ways to address a "dramatic national rise in homelessness".

Mr Whitbread said housing was a "complex and challenging issue".

'Significant change'

A spokesperson from Colchester City Council said there were "differing levels of pressure" between councils across north Essex, but the overall picture is one of "rising costs and increased demand" for housing.

• Increase in social housing applicants in Essex

Mr Whitbread, a Conservative councillor on Epping Forest District Council, said that housing was one of the biggest challenges for councils nationally.

"Without significant change, the pressure will grow.

"The need to provide people with safe and affordable homes is more important than ever.

"Importantly, this summit will be a platform for dialogue and coordination to face the challenges of our times together," he said.

The housing summit will be held at Wivenhoe House, Colchester, Essex, on 15 February, organisers have said.

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