Almost 150 homeless people and families have been moved into emergency accommodation in Reigate and Banstead since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The borough council has now received £148,000 from the Government to help towards homing people in need in the area.

Eight cabins have been installed at Donyngs and the council is booking beds in local B&Bs to help during the winter period.

Councillor Graham Knight, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Support said: “We understand that every homeless situation is unique and housing staff work with everyone we place in emergency accommodation to find a permanent solution to their housing needs. Unfortunately, not everyone welcomes our support, although we will continue to provide any help and services where we can and our doors are always open.”

Council housing staff follow up every emergency placement with a welfare offer that includes access to medical services, benefits, food and regular weekly welfare calls. Every placement also has a Personal Housing Plan agreed which covers their options to move on with assistance to more secure alternative accommodation.

Since the start of the pandemic the authority has accommodated 144 homeless households in emergency accommodation, of which 94 were single people either rough sleeping or at threat of homelessness. So far, they have rehoused 105 of those. Others have either refused assistance, lost contact or we are still accommodating and working with them.

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