UK homelessness charity collapses into administration after 51 years | UK | News
A UK homelessness charity has gone into administration after 51 years of service. The collapse of the charity has left 87 people waiting for the local council to find new accommodation.
Access Community Trust, founded in 1975, appointed Richard Bloomfield and Philip David Reynolds, both of FRP Advisory Trading Limited, as joint administrators on Wednesday 11 March. The charity, based in Suffolk, provided shelter, support and education to vulnerable and homeless people. Trading has now ceased with 96 staff being made redundant.
East Suffolk Council is working to transfer care to 87 residents of the charity, which provides housing and wider services in Lowestoft. The council has reportedly managed to retain 75 bed spaces so far.
126 people were employed at Access Community Trust but 96 people have now been made redundant. FRP Advisory confirmed that the majority of remaining employees were retained to provide maintenance while the transfer of operations was agreed.
East Suffolk Council previously said in a post on Facebook that they were “deeply concerned” by news of the collapse of the Access Community Trust. They added that their “priority is to ensure that no one is left without a safe place to stay or access to basic support services.”
The council continued: “We have therefore activated an Emergency Response Plan to ensure that all vulnerable residents currently supported by Access Community Trust continue to have safe and appropriate accommodation.
Make sure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us your Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
“Working in partnership with recognized providers over the last 48 hours, we have ensured that 75 of the bed spaces have been retained and residents can stay with an alternative, reliable support service. We have also agreed a short-term solution for the remaining 12 beds, meaning no-one will be asked to leave their home today.”
Many citizens reacted to the news on social media. They agreed that the loss of the charity would have an impact on the community.
Lee WL Kettlewell said: “I’m so sorry to hear this. So many wonderful people helping those in need. It was always going to be difficult to cut funding from everywhere.”
Beth-Louise Marilyn Applegate wrote: “This is terrible news for those who need it! As a former resident of an Access Community Trust home, I know how vital these beds and services are! They support our most vulnerable and help them get back on their feet! They are an essential part of our community.”
