Overview
- Eastbourne Borough Council reports placements from Brighton rose from 42 in 2023 to 171 by January 2026.
- People sent from Brighton describe being booked into taxis to Eastbourne and losing access to established care networks.
- Brighton and Hove City Council says limited local accommodation drives some out‑of‑city placements and that it coordinates support with neighbouring authorities.
- Brighton says placements in Eastbourne have fallen from a peak of 198 in September 2025, with 402 households currently in temporary accommodation outside the city.
- Eastbourne’s Liberal Democrat MP Josh Babarinde condemns the practice and is discussing potential financial penalties with ministers, as local charity Matthew 25 reports 70–80 new Brighton‑origin clients since late 2024.