Backlash over 'shameful' Christmas eviction in Exeter

Devon Live has seen a surge of comments from readers in response to the recent revelation that Exeter's homeless will be ousted from their housing pods during the festive season due to staff shortages, amidst a drop in temperatures. The pods, situated at Howell Road Car Park, are equipped with a bed, toilet, USB charging port, keyless entry, and solar-powered lighting.

When they were introduced in 2023, Exeter City Council described them as a temporary solution for those rough sleepers who had "no alternative accommodation available" and mentioned they might also serve individuals "may be at risk" of losing their current housing. The typical duration of stay is around one month.

Exeter City Council has now confirmed that occupants must vacate the pods over Christmas because of insufficient staffing levels to maintain operations. The council is actively exploring "alternative housing pathways" for those affected.

A spokesperson for Exeter City Council explained: "The temporary closure is due to reduced staffing over the period, not just at the Council but partners and the ancillary services needed for the pods to run. All clients currently in the pods have been made aware of the closure and services are working with them to find alternative housing pathways."

Reader reactions have ranged from indignation to disappointment. Unclebobb had this say on the subject: "This again only highlights the urgent need for a councillor's pay/expenses cut to free up finances to fund the required extra staff."

While Dawlishguy writes: "Yet another fine example of a Labour run authority showing how it cares for people in urgent need! It must be a Labour speciality!"

Greacian adds: "Just as well hospitals don't shut down when they are short staffed." Rusty715 says: "Such Christmas spirit form the cosy councillors who have never suffered."

Observer5 thinks: "Exeter City Council should be ashamed." FredaHarris1 comments: "Typical England, I'm afraid when I remember living on a farm which had an outside toilet which was emptied on to the dung heap once a day. That's the old days but now surely Exeter could provide a facility which the less fortunate could use to empty human product into a public sewer: after all that's where other faeces and urine are deposited!"

Mtmind says: "Congratulations Exeter City Council, you have found a new low to sink to."

Knasher believes: "Exeter should be ashamed. It has one of the highest rates of homelessness and now what piddly poor it does they are withdrawing because the tax funded employees are putting a turkey first."

TheBigPrince says: "TBF, a lot of council workers have very difficult jobs and do not enjoy the massive salaries that many other roles offer, surely they deserve a well earned break at Xmas? This is not about selfish behaviour, it's about the poor design of a pod that has to be shut due to a few days without emptying the toilet!"

Localadvisor mentions: "You could always volunteer if you are that concerned, or double your council tax so the council workers who actually do this job are paid a decent wage in line with management."

Newatthis replies: "Or put forward a few councillors names, who have cushy office jobs the rest of the year, 2 weeks off at Christmas and long summer holidays. Many hard working people foot the bill enough and many are working during Christmas."

Let us know your thoughts on the story HERE or in the comments below.