Vulnerable families illegally ‘dumped’ hundreds of miles away by London councils

Exclusive: Practice that includes women fleeing abuse is ‘ripping at social fabric’ of towns in poorest parts of England

‘I was crying and shaking’: vulnerable people face ‘inhumane’ ultimatums from London councils

Vulnerable families including women fleeing abuse are being illegally “dumped” hundreds of miles away by London councils in a practice “ripping at the social fabric” of deprived towns, a Guardian investigation has found.

Against the backdrop of a deepening housing crisis, the number of homeless people forced out of London has doubled in the past two years.

Scores of families with children were moved to cheap, sparsely furnished properties in some of the poorest parts of England including Bolton, Blackpool and Hartlepool, according to freedom of information requests.

Charities described the policy as “inhumane” and accused councils of targeting vulnerable refugees who speak little English and have little ability to understand or challenge the move. If they refuse, they are in effect forced on to the streets.

MPs and council leaders said the sudden arrival of dozens of these families was fuelling community division in areas already struggling with long waits for social housing.

Jonathan Brash, the Labour MP for Hartlepool, said it was a “disgrace” and accused London councils of the “dumping of a crisis on to northern communities”.