Skip to main contentEnter
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

£88,000 emergency hotel contract approved as homeless numbers rise

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Rising homelessness in Ipswich has forced the council to spend £88,810 on emergency hotel accommodation. The contract extension at the Copdock Best Western comes as local housing services struggle with "insufficient capacity."

The big picture: Ipswich Borough Council is bypassing normal contract procedures to secure hotel rooms for homeless households, highlighting growing pressure on local housing services.

Why it matters: The council has a legal duty to provide temporary accommodation for certain homeless groups under the Housing Act 1996, but is struggling to meet demand through existing arrangements.

Best Western Hotel in Copdock, Ipswich
Best Western Hotel in Copdock, IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The details:

  • The contract with Cameron Adventures, which operates the Best Western hotel in Copdock, will run from 17 October 2024 to 31 March 2025.

  • It follows two previous 12-week contracts with the hotel.

  • The council has waived normal market testing requirements due to "urgency and lack of providers".

Behind the scenes: Internal consultations took place between the council's procurement, finance and legal teams before the decision was approved. A Section 151 Officer reviewed the contract exemption before recommending approval.

What they're saying: The council's decision notice states there is "continued high demand for temporary accommodation and a lack of providers of this type of accommodation for homeless households."

The bottom line: The emergency contract approval suggests Ipswich's housing crisis shows no signs of easing, with the council having to take extraordinary measures to fulfil its statutory obligations to homeless residents.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

Ipswich's only free and independent news publication

Support our journalism

We can't do this without you! Unlike the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich.co.uk has no banner advertising and no wealthy US corporate owners.

So, if you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for a better Ipswich, please consider contributing just £24 per year.

Every penny matters and allows us to keep producing good quality local journalism that respects your time, attention and privacy.

Become a supporter

Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Load next article