I have just read your article "Hidden scandal of families with no home" (The Argus, April 10). I must say the conditions sound appalling. But so does the local authority's reaction.

I have provided "temporary accommodation", as it is called, for 23 years now. Until the last year or so that accommodation, some 33 units, was available to Brighton and Hove City Council for its use. The accommodation is also used by a number of other local authorities.

During those 23 years certain standards have had to be adhered to for any council to approve the use of any accommodation - standards which I have always been very happy to meet, if not exceed.

My opinion of the accommodation I provide is, "if I would live there - good. If not, improve it until I would." This is something I have always maintained.

As a result of this I have received dozens of letters and cards over the years from tenants who have left thanking me for the accommodation I have provided.

All accommodation has to be of a certain size depending on its use. It has to have adequate light, adequate bathing facilities, full-size cooking facilities, a minimum of one metre of worktop, a full-size fridge, separate hand-washing facilities and up-todate certificates for fire, electricity and gas.

All my accommodation is inspected at least yearly to ensure these standards are maintained.

I have always done my best to exceed all local authority requirements which are laid down by government legislation. It is therefore unbelievable to see the catalogue of events just involving St Catherine's Lodge hotel over the past 18 months.

No proper kitchens. No running fresh water for the first year. No bedding provided. Wardrobes laid on their sides with a Baby Belling cooker on. No kitchen sinks.

Brighton and Hove City Council appears to block book accommodation based on budget constraints rather than suitability of accommodation.

I have been fortunate. All my accommodation is used by other authorities. I know many people, good friends, who have been forced out of the business, people who provided clean, safe, certified accommodation that is now lost.

Just because people are homeless does not mean they are scum.

No one should have to live in substandard accommodation.

The council has a responsibility to help this vulnerable part of our community. Alas, they appear to be making matters worse.

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