The leader of Thurrock Council is demanding Westminster meets social care costs after learning of plans to move 25 homeless families to Grays, in Essex.

An angry John Kent has written to his Westminster counterpart, Tory Philippa Roe, criticising her administration’s housing policy and demanding to know why Thurrock was not made aware of its plans.

However, head of housing at Westminster accused Thurrock of “showing a total lack of understanding on the issues affecting housing supply in central London”.

Westminster Labour group leader Paul Dimoldenberg also criticised the move, saying more should be done to build houses in the borough.

In his letter, sent on March 23, an irate Mr Kent, a Labour leader, says to Ms Rowe: “I find it almost unbelievable that you would allow your offices to do this without first approaching either myself or the chief executive of this council as this is completely contrary to the London Council’s advice note on the placement of homeless households outside of London.

“I assume these residents are the responsibility of Westminster Council, through either local connection or their current homeless status. I would therefore like confirmation that any social care costs associated with these families, for the foreseeable future, will be fully funded by Westminster. I see no reason at all why residents of Thurrock should bear these costs.”

The Labour leader goes on to say the Westminster approach “simply props up your failing housing system” and says: “While I would never encourage you to move families around the country in the way that you appear to be doing, if you are determined to do this then liaison with the council involved, and underwriting any additional costs, would lead to a better outcome for all involved.”

Daniel Astaire, Westminster Council’s cabinet minister for housing and regeneration, said: “Securing accommodation around London where property is cheaper represents a practical step to help people in housing need, and is one taken by councils across the political spectrum.

“For people who become homeless, it is important that we house them in places where they can afford to live while meeting the expectations of the Westminster taxpayer.

“As I have said previously, housing is a London-wide issue that will not be solved by sticking rigidly to borough boundaries, and we will continue to work constructively with other local authorities and partner organisations in order to find practical solutions.”

Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg

But Mr Dimoldenberg did not agree and accused Westminster of “social clensing”.

He said: “Westminster Conservatives are continuing to export the homeless to east London and Essex where they have no connections or family support. This places additional educational and social services burdens on local councils who are already struggling with the most recent Government cuts.

“By buying up homes in bulk, Westminster Conservatives are using their financial wealth to take away homes from residents in Grays who want to buy or rent locally.

“Westminster Council should be building many more new social housing flats and houses for those in housing need and not sending families many miles away to east London, Essex and beyond.”

He said Westminster Council paid £3.6m for the 25 properties in Grays.