HOMELESSNESS will likely double within the next two years, Chelmsford City Council has revealed.

Rising house prices, relationship breakdowns and renters being unable to afford bills are some of the reasons behind the predicted increase, according to the authority.

The revelation came ahead of last week’s council’s cabinet meeting in a report by Cllr Paul Hutchinson, Tory cabinet member responsible for housing.

Speaking about the rising trends in homelessness, Cllr Hutchinson’s report said: “Current forecasts assume a doubling of the number of households be - ing accepted as homeless rising from 249 currently to perhaps 500 by 2019/20.

“A number of households are unable to keep pace with rents and are being evicted because they cannot afford the new rent and are unable to find alternative affordable accommodation.

“Young adults with children are leaving their family homes as parents are either unable or unwilling to accommodate them.

“Relationship breakdowns, often including domestic abuse, lead to individ - uals having to move out of their homes.”

Average earnings are £26,000 in Chelmsford, and with one-bedroom properties selling for £170,000, an individual would need to borrow more than six times their salary to get on the prop - erty ladder, according to the report.

At the cabinet meeting, held at Chelmsford Civic Centre last Thursday, members agreed to enlist a private company to manage properties owned by the council, where residents are declared homeless.

Speaking after the meeting, Roy Whitehead, Chelmsford City Council leader, said: “We are struggling to deal with homelessness, but I’m confident we can address the current situation.

“Cabinet members agreed to get the help of a company which will manage our portfolio of homes where tenants are homeless. It will manage them on our behalf. There will be no extra costs to residents.”

Rob Saggs, director of Chelmsford Chess, which provides accommodation and other services to homeless people, said his charity is struggling to meet demand.

“Each month there are 20 to 50 refer - rals we’re unable to deal with.

“The problem is getting worse, and we have seen an increase in the amount of women who need to use our services.

“We are trying to expand our services to accommodate those who have been unfortunate enough to hit rock bottom in life.”