Homelessness in Epsom and Ewell: why housing policy needs urgent reform
Housing policy needs urgent reform in Epsom & Ewell, in Surrey and everywhere. EEBC has faced substantial financial burdens in addressing homelessness and housing insecurity this past year. High South-East region housing costs and shortage of private rental properties have made affordable options scarce.
By Victoria Wan
Epsom and Ewell is now among the boroughs in England with the highest proportion of homeless households living in temporary accommodation.1
Housing in Surrey: increased demand and costs
Across Surrey in 2023-24 councils spent over £6 million on emergency accommodation for those at risk. EEBC alone spent over £1.6 million. In the first five months of this financial year2 they overspent the budget by £400,000 on accommodation for households newly in need of emergency housing. The financial challenge of relying on temporary solutions is obvious.
Citizens Advice Epsom and Ewell has also documented a surge in homelessness-related cases.
In 2024 to date, we have supported 125 clients facing the threat of homelessness, 81 who were already homeless. We have seen a 19% year on year increase in cases of threatened homelessness and a 17% rise in actual homelessness cases. (Chart)
Why change Is essential: gaps in policy
A rising number of cases and high costs associated with temporary accommodation reveal an urgent need for policy reform. Emergency accommodation is a critical safety net but also a temporary solution that strains council budgets without addressing the underlying issues. This approach ultimately contributes to prolonged instability for those affected.
In a range of initiatives EEBC has increased promotion of its Private Sector Leasing (PSL) Scheme. The council offers management benefits to landlords letting their property as temporary housing for up to five years. The scheme offers advantages to both sides and the community but to date concrete commitment from private landlords remains minimal.
The path forward: collaborative, sustainable solutions
A wholesale change to housing policy is crucial. The current approach, heavily reliant on emergency accommodation, highlights gaps in preventive and affordable measures. Solutions are reactive rather than proactive. Epsom and Ewell urgently needs:
- Diverse, affordable housing options that address the full spectrum of residents’ needs
- Expanded supply of housing across all types to reduce demand pressures, making housing more accessible and affordable
- Policies that incentivise private sector landlords to support housing programs
- Increased funding for affordable housing initiatives that provide sustainable support for at-risk families.
At CAEE we are committed to supporting local residents through these challenges, but it’s also our role to pint out the importance of systemic change.
Moving from temporary fixes to long-term, affordable solutions, could create a badly-needed stable housing landscape. Everyone from residents to councils to communities and the national economy would benefit. Together, we can work towards a more secure housing future for all.
Victoria Wan Is a Research and Campaigns Volunteer
- Epsom & Ewell Council Annual Report 2023/24.
- Homelessness costing local authorities millions. BBC News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwyl45r93e8o