AN independent report has delivered a damning verdict on Thurrock Council's housing service and the way the authority has tackled a growing homelessness crisis – amid a rising bill set to hit almost £10million this year.

The 12-week investigation, led by a homelessness transformation specialist, revealed a "fragmented" service struggling to cope with rising demand and escalating costs.

The review was commissioned by portfolio holder Cllr Mark Hurrell and senior service leaders. It followed internal audit findings and feedback from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, which highlighted urgent areas for improvement.

The review found that Thurrock had failed to respond strategically to increasing pressures, with "no clear structure, vision, or proactive planning". Temporary accommodation (TA) placements rose by 171 per cent between 2020 and 2025, from 242 to 657 households. The projected TA spend for 2025/26 is £9.8 million, posing a significant financial risk to the debt-laden council.

Homelessness in the borough increased by 25 per cent in the past year, yet only eight to 15 households are discharged from TA each month. Officers are said to be "managing unsustainable caseloads" of 90–110 cases—three times the recommended level.

The review identified a fragmented structure lacking specialisms, ownership of prevention, and effective performance management. Less than 13 per cent of the Homelessness Prevention Grant was spent on prevention, far below the 49 per cent requirement.

Key recommendations include restructuring the service into three dedicated teams—prevention and early intervention, statutory assessment and decision-making, and resettlement and tenancy sustainment. A new triage and duty hub would manage incoming cases more effectively.

To reduce reliance on costly nightly-paid accommodation, the review suggests establishing TA placement panels, introducing rate caps, and scaling up long-term leased or modular housing options.

A dedicated resettlement team is proposed to improve move-on planning and build stronger links with landlords and housing allocations. Prevention efforts would be boosted by allocating £250,000 from the Homelessness Prevention Grant to launch a home visiting team, clear casework backlogs, and fund targeted mediation.

The review also calls for improved member oversight through a structured induction and briefing programme, covering homelessness law, TA pressures, and cost drivers.

The findings will be discussed at a place overview and scrutiny meeting on Thursday (2 October) after presentation of a report.