Homelessness

The council currently houses about 3,000 asylum seekers placed in the borough by the Home Office.

It has been a year since the Scottish government announced a 'housing emergency' but what has changed for the homeless?

Harlow Council says it is facing "massive pressure".

A charity in the city is refurbishing a house to help rough sleepers access benefits and support.

The council says homeless households spent 32 days on average in temporary accommodation in 2024.

The housing board chairman says 2,955 bed spaces are accessed in the first three months of the year.

Rohan Mehta says he makes the home-made kits to help give some "dignity" back to the homeless.

Councillors look at a longer-term provision for 10 portable cabins used by the homeless in winter.