Eastbourne Borough Council is estimated to a third of its annual budget on temporary accommodation next year, which Councillor Peter Diplock said was “unsustainable”.
He said that all aspects of social housing are feeling the pinch, from maintenance and repairs to building new affordable homes, and is calling on the government for help.
“We’re up against impossible odds on a number of fronts, not just in our work to tackle homelessness,” said Cllr Diplock, the cabinet member for housing.
“Soaring prices are impacting all facets of our housing service. Everything from repairs and maintenance to the delivery of affordable new homes is under extraordinary pressure.
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“The council’s net annual budget is just £14 million and temporary accommodation costs alone are estimated at £4.9 million for this financial year.
“You don’t have to be an accountant to realise these figures are unsustainable and why the government must provide extra funding to protect the public services and the viability of local authorities.”
The council was one of 119 authorities and leaders in October calling for the chancellor to act urgently and invest in social housing.
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