Political opinion with Josh Babarinde MP: Our Mission to End Homelessness In Eastbourne
Over recent months, there has been a visible increase in homelessness in parts of the town centre, including around Eastbourne Station. The cost-of-living crisis has placed enormous pressure on individuals and families. Rising bills, rents and mortgage costs, which we have all experienced, have driven an increase in homelessness across the country. Eastbourne was the first town in the UK to declare a cost-of-living emergency in 2022 and is home to one of the country’s busiest food banks.
Individuals are often dealing with multiple and overlapping barriers, and on many occasions decline support or aren't able to engage effectively with the support offered.
Everyone deserves a safe and secure place to call home. I have been moved to tears in surgeries where folks have shared the heartbreaking stories of how they lost their homes.
What have we been doing?
Since being elected, I have been pressing the Government to properly fund local councils so they can provide the support that people need. I’ve written to Ministers, raised the issue several times in the House of Commons (as recently as a couple of weeks ago) and secured a parliamentary debate on homelessness.
My team and I have supported over 500 people with housing and homelessness-related cases, helping individuals navigate complex systems and access the support they need.
I have also been pushing for stronger protections through the Renters’ Rights Bill to prevent people from falling into homelessness in the first place, measures that ensure safe, secure and affordable homes for tenants.
I’ve also been working with partners across the town, local organisations, charities and volunteers who work tirelessly, day in and day out, to support some of the most vulnerable people in our community. Multi-agency collaboration is key to ending this intractable issue.
Next Steps
I will be joining dozens of agencies, charities and organisations later this week, as part of a coordinated, multi-agency approach to addressing rough sleeping in Eastbourne town centre. To ensure no one falls through the cracks.
Alongside this, I am working with partners to help spearhead a campaign focused on prevention, early intervention and long-term solutions, rather than short-term responses alone.
Later this month, I will also be hosting another Community Living Room, bringing together local organisations to connect practical support and advice to those who need it most.