Britain’s wokest city accused of ‘airbrushing out’ homeless people by dumping them in neighbouring town
Brighton, sometimes dubbed Britain’s wokest city, has sparked a major row by “dumping” its homeless population in neighbouring Eastbourne.
Those affected by the policy claim they are being “airbrushed” from the seaside city and abandoned in an unfamiliar town where they lack essential support systems.
Over the past two years, dozens of vulnerable people have been transported from Brighton to cheaper accommodation in Eastbourne, with critics accusing the council of prioritising cost savings over welfare.
The number of placements has surged dramatically, rising from 42 individuals in 2023 to 171 by January, according to Eastbourne Borough Council figures.
Eastbourne officials have accused their neighbouring authority of implementing a policy with a “significantly negative impact” on their community, while Brighton maintains it faces unprecedented pressure on housing services and has limited alternatives.
Dan Hylands, 34, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, was transferred to Eastbourne last July after spending time in Brighton hostels.
He had grown up in Brighton and was receiving disability treatment there before the move.
“They literally just booked me a taxi and shipped me all the way over here,” he said, adding: “They just dumped me here.”
Brighton has been accused of ‘airbrusing out’ homeless people by dumping them in a neighbouring town
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Nick Carpenter, 45, a father of three, found himself homeless last October following the breakdown of his 17-year relationship. He was subsequently moved from Lewes to Eastbourne.
“I’m out of my comfort zone in Eastbourne. I don’t have any of my friends, family or support network here. It’s difficult trying to start again in a strange place.”
Mr Carpenter described the approach as cynical, arguing that wealthier councils are reluctant to pay elevated rents in their own areas and instead shift people to locations with lower housing costs.
“It’s really cynical. It’s people’s lives they’re affecting here. I live to see my three girls but it’s difficult getting to see them now.”
Brighton, often dubbed Britain’s ‘wokest’ city, has been described as ‘cynical’ for the move
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Alex Haward, who works at Matthew 25, a Christian charity providing food, shelter and mental health outreach in Eastbourne, estimates between 70 and 80 individuals from Brighton have come to rely on their services since late 2024.
“Councils are picking up very vulnerable people and removing them from their family, friends and support networks and then dumping them in Eastbourne,” he told the Daily Mail.
Mr Haward criticised what he termed an “out of sight, out of mind” mentality, attributing the policy primarily to financial considerations given the disparity in rental costs between Brighton and Eastbourne.
Eastbourne Borough Council, controlled by the Liberal Democrats, has demanded that Brighton cease the practice immediately.
Josh Babarinde, Liberal Democrat MP for Eastbourne, also argued that out-of-borough placements should never be motivated by financial considerations.
“It leaves already vulnerable people further at risk and it puts undue pressure on local authorities and charities who pick up the pieces,” he said.
Mr Babarinde is currently engaging with government ministers about introducing financial penalties to discourage unnecessary relocations.
Brighton and Hove City Council has rejected the criticism, describing the accusations as “wildly inaccurate” and “extremely unfair”.
Brighton councillors have said their ’emergency and temporary accommodation far exceeds the amount available to us in the city’
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The authority states that placements in Eastbourne have fallen from a peak of 198 in September 2025, though 402 households currently remain in temporary accommodation outside the city’s boundaries.
Councillor Gill Williams, cabinet member for housing, said: “We have some of the south east’s best figures for prevention of homelessness, but the demand for emergency and temporary accommodation far exceeds the amount available to us in the city.”
She emphasised that the council prioritises keeping residents within Brighton wherever feasible and works to return those in emergency placements as quickly as possible.
Cllr Williams added that it was “incredibly disappointing to see elected politicians use dehumanising language when discussing people’s lives and experiences”.
