Scramble to house 87 people as charity closes

The closure of a homelessness charity that provided housing came "out of the blue", a council said.

Access Community Trust, founded in 1975, gave East Suffolk Council two days' notice that it would close on Wednesday, leaving the authority scrambling to find accommodation for 87 people.

David Beaven, cabinet member for housing, told the BBC provisions had been made to ensure beds were available but longer-term plans were still being worked on.

A spokesperson on behalf of Access said the charity was working with stakeholders on alternative care for individuals, housing and staff.

The charity is expected to enter administration in the coming days, a spokesperson said.

It provides housing in Lowestoft as well as services across Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich in Suffolk, and King's Lynn in Norfolk.

They include housing, wellbeing hubs, mental health support and cafes.

East Suffolk Council said it was "deeply concerned" but had made "significant progress regarding beds".

"Our priority is to ensure that nobody is left without a safe place to stay or access to essential support services," the authority added.

FRP Advisory, a business advisory firm, is working with Access after it ceased trading on 25 February.

An FRP spokesperson confirmed 96 employees of 126 had been made redundant.

"The majority of other employees providing care at all but one of the housing services have been retained to provide ongoing care while a transfer of operations is explored and/or agreed," they said.

"Ongoing care is still being provided at the other remaining property."

David Beaven, East Suffolk cabinet member for housing, told the BBC there had been little warning about the closure.

He said: "It was completely out of the blue. On Monday we were told we would have 87 people on the street by Wednesday. So we really went into top gear and it shows why we need local government."

He said a deal had been reached to ensure those staying at Access-run properties could remain for the next two weeks, while other plans were made.

He said many staff members had already been offered employment through other partners and the council.

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.