Basildon Council urged to move family from 'overcrowded accommodation'

Reform MP James McMurdock is urging Basildon Council to move the family after visiting the property and claims they have been there “significantly longer” than the six-week limit allowed by the Government. 

Mr McMurdock, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has claimed the visit highlighted “overcrowding, insufficient sleeping arrangements, and inadequate cooking facilities”. James McMurdock, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has raised serious concerns (Image: James McMurdock)

Basildon Council has been facing significant pressures over temporary housing and is projecting a £3 million overspend in relation to providing accommodation for families in need. 

Mr McMurdock said: “The homelessness code of guidance is clear that bed-and-breakfast accommodation is unsuitable for families with children.

Concerns - One bunk bed for three children (Image: James McMurdock)

“It is widely acknowledged that such conditions can be detrimental to the health and development of children. Furthermore, when this type of accommodation is used, it must not exceed six weeks, and the council is required to report these instances. In this case, we were contacted by a family placed in what we believe to be bed-and-breakfast-style accommodation for significantly longer than the legally allowed six-week period.”

Basildon Council has assured Mr McMurdock that the accommodation provided is a self-contained family room. However, following his team’s visit, the MP found the family were sharing a small room, with the eldest child sleeping on the floor.

Squeezed - Family living out of one room (Image: James McMurdock)

He added: “We found one adult and three children sharing a small room with a double bed, a bunk bed, and the eldest child sleeping on the floor. The only available cooking facility was a microwave, with no suitable space to prepare food or wash and dry clothes.”

The Echo is not revealing the specific location of the temporary accommodation, but it has been branded “deeply concerning”. 

Concerns - The kitchen area (Image: James McMurdock)

Mr McMurdock said: “We are deeply concerned about the surrounding environment and the potential dangers to vulnerable families placed there.  

“If any of my constituents are living in substandard temporary accommodation, I urge you to reach out to my office so we can advocate on your behalf.”

Basildon Council has been contacted for comment by the Echo.