Colchester Council uses a new Travelodge to house homeless families due to housing shortages and high costs.
The leisure park cost £65 million. Some businesses already left. Now, only a bowling alley, Greggs, and Travelodge remain. The council says over 440 families need temporary housing.
Paul Dundas spoke about housing needs. The council must house those who qualify. He noted the government needs to offer more help. Hotel rooms are costly for taxpayers. He wants more efficient solutions.
Colchester Borough Homes confirmed the Travelodge use. It provides emergency housing to those in need. They have high rental costs and little affordable housing. The council uses hotels for short stays. They try to find long-term housing too.
They use hotels when no other places exist. Travelodge’s rates are like other hotels, and they offer good accommodation. They have no contract, and rooms get booked as needed. They keep using the Travelodge.
Travelodge understands pressures on local authorities. They work with them on housing and help people waiting for permanent homes. Travelodge aims for quality experiences, and they know hotels are not homes.