Housing options centre in Birmingham closed for three months after ‘serious incident’

The council told Inside Housing that completing the necessary physical improvements to the building “is taking a little while longer than originally hoped”.

Following the incident last year, a union representing members who worked at the office called for a review of security at all council offices. 

Unison said in a statement that the incident “follows on previous concerns staff have raised about security in the building and the surrounding area”, such as the lack of a working CCTV system.

The union said the centre should not be reopened “until the concerns of the staff working there have been addressed to their satisfaction”.

“In addition to a thorough investigation of the incidents at Newtown HOC and jointly agreed steps to improve security, there should be a review of security arrangements at all council offices, particularly those that provide public access,” it added. 

Jayne Francis, cabinet member for housing and homelessness at Birmingham Council, said: “To ensure the safety of our staff and members of the public, our Newton Housing Options Centre is currently closed. 

“It is taking a little while longer than originally hoped to complete the necessary physical improvements to the building, but the centre will reopen once the safety of our staff and members of the public can be assured. 

“We are closely monitoring access to the service through phone service and dedicated hubs.”

Since 2019, Birmingham Council has experienced a 70% rise in homeless presentations.