Closest emergency accommodation was 96 miles away
We can reveal the closest emergency accommodation offered after a fire in Torbay last month was in Bath.
Last updated 16th Jul 2021
On June 18th, 12 fire engines were called to a fire in apartments at Torquay's Windsor Road.
Ah the time four people needed emergency help from the council, but only one ended up in the bay - and another was sent 96 miles away.
A crowdfunding appeal was started for those evacuated because of the fire after one of the people posted: "We literally only have the clothes on our backs."
A 45 year old woman's since been released under investigation on suspicion of arson as enquiries continue.
Torbay Council Leader Steve Darling says they need investment from Government to get more social housing - as the council is doing 'all it can' against what he calls the 'housing crisis.
He said: "Three were able to make their own arrangements for alternative housing.
"Of the four the council had to help find, only one of them ended up being housed in Torbay.
"That's just symptomatic of the crisis that we've got in our housing system in Torbay at present where officers are having to spend hours and hours trying to find temporary accommodation.
"It's a perfect storm that we're in. We've got half the amount of social rented housing that's affordable rent for people locally.
"We've got the remains of the pandemic that's exacerbating matters. House prices increasing that means that landlords want to realise the cash that's locked in their buildings and then a very busy Summer where people are thinking I can get three or four times the amount of money on a weekly rent for holidaymakers compared to normal accommodation from people.
"It's a perfect storm we have in Torbay."