A COUNCILLOR has claimed funding for a service that helps vulnerable people in Thurrock's private rented accommodation has been cut in half to assist refugees.

However, the claim has subsequently been rebutted by a member of the council's cabinet.

The borough's Well Homes scheme provides support and services to improve the housing conditions and well-being of residents in Thurrock.

It has been credited with providing savings for the council by reducing the burden on social services in the long-term.

Alex Anderson, Reform councillor for Stanford East and Corringham Town, questioned the administration at full council asking why assistance for some of the borough's least well-off was being "reduced to prioritise implementation of national refugee programmes".

Cllr Anderson said he believed assessments under the scheme had been cut by more than half.

Speaking at the meeting he said: "I understand it's not a pleasant position to be in, moving from one country to another, particularly under these sorts of circumstances but taking resources form Well Homes is an inappropriate reprioritisation of council resource.

Cllr Mark Hooper, portfolio holder for health and wellbeing said he would provide a written answer to Cllr Anderson.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Anderson said: "Thurrock's Well Homes scheme supports residents living in private accommodation across the borough.

"However, through 2022, 2023 and 2024 assessments under the scheme were down by more than half on pre-covid 2019 levels. The council has told me a decision was taken to cut resource from Well Homes in order to prioritise projects such as Afghan Resettlement Programme and Homes for Ukraine Scheme."

Cllr Anderson added: "It's my contention that cutting resource from Well Homes, a scheme that supports some of the least well-off residents across Thurrock, indicates on this occasion the council has its priorities wrong."

Cllr Hooper said he was yet to hear back from officers about the issue but he said he would be "disappointed" if it were the case.

He said: "I'm still waiting to get an answer from the council. I've asked officers for information on two points, has the budget been cut and has the budget been diverted help Afghanistan families?

"I'd be disappointed because it's a good scheme In terms of having a full wrap around approach to our housing care which is what our strategy has been about so I would be surprised if there is a cut."

On Wednesday afternoon (6 November), after publication of this story via the BBC's Local Democracy Reporting Service, the following statement was issued on behalf of Cllr Hooper by a Cabinet Officer: "The number of assessments has declined due to the council's decision not to backfill the role responsible for these duties as part of its ongoing commitment to achieve financial savings in 2024/25.

"To continue delivering this service and reduce the impact on residents in poor living conditions, home assessments have been integrated into the responsibilities of other officers within the service.

"A new officer started in this position on October 1, 2024, and we anticipate an increase in Well Homes assessments from October through March 2024 with this resource back in the team."

The officer added: "Regarding the council's funding for integration and resettlement services for Afghan refugees, support provided under the Afghan Relocation Assistance Programme (ARAP) is fully funded by the Home Office."