A POLICE officer and mother of four says she faces homelessness next week after being unable to find affordable housing in Thurrock.

Metropolitan Police officer Kayon Downer, 42, of Chafford Hundred, has until January 21 to leave her home after being served a no-fault Section 21 eviction notice last April.

Despite working full-time and earning around £3,000 a month, topped up by £500 in Universal Credit, the mum of four, including a one-year-old, says soaring rents have left her with no options.

Thurrock Council says it has worked with Ms Downer to prevent homelessness and disputes the rent on the property offered is unaffordable for her.

Ms Downer, who currently pays £1,550 for a three-bedroom house, said: "I've been living here since 2019. The landlord wants the property back, not because I haven't paid rent. I've looked everywhere, but I can't afford £2,000-plus for a three-bed home. I'm struggling now.

"They offered me a property at £2,350 a month – the council would pay a month's rent in advance and the £350, but I'd still have to find £2,000. If I could afford that, I wouldn't need help. I'm a working police officer. I don't know what to do anymore."

Cllr Mark Hooper, a Labour cabinet member whose portfolio includes health and wellbeing and social housing, said: "We wish we could easily find a home for everyone who needs one, but with nearly 5,000 people on our housing waiting list and ever-increasing demand, we have to carefully assess each case within the law.

"In this case, officers have helped Ms Downer find a four-bedroom home within her assessed budget. The council will pay around 10 per cent of her monthly rent for two years. She is also on the housing register and can bid for council properties."

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Cllr Hooper acknowledged a complaint which the council upheld, about delays in dealing with her case last year but said the council has since offered "practical and affordable solutions" to ensure Ms Downer and her family do not become homeless.

Ms Downer disputes the council's assessment, saying the proposed rent is far beyond her means.

She said: "I've served the public for years, and now I'm facing being on the street. If I stopped work tomorrow they would have to take responsibility."