CHANGES to support services for housing could affect the number of people referred for help.

Essex County Council is making changes to the way Housing Related Support Services will be delivered.

The access to units in the district, including Bramble Court in Witham and The Foyer and College house in Braintree, is expected to be controlled by Essex County Council.

Braintree Council is currently the main referrer to the schemes, and this change may restrict how many units are available to Braintree Council.

Braintree Council has not seen the new tender documents as yet, however it said it was concerned about the impact of funding reductions on its capacity to help people who would benefit from support.

Patrick Horner, Witham Mayor, said there should be an alternative route for vulnerable young people.

He said: "I think a lot more young vulnerable people would be left behind.

"They need some sort of help line as the young people don't know where to go.

"I have had people who have said they have no hope and are going to lose their home, and I advised they either contact Witham MP Priti Patel or the Citizens Advice Bureau."

More than 5,000 people backed a petition calling for Braintree Foyer to remain open in the summer.

Residents using Braintree Foyer, in St Michael’s Road, were concerned their lifeline may be shut down amid funding cuts by Essex County Council.

Braintree MP James Cleverly said: "I have been in regular contact with The Foyer and have discussed how important their work is for young people in the area.

"I know there are a number of councillors who are passionate that support continues and I will maintain a close relationship with county councillors to make sure any change in responsibility doesn't have a negative effect."

Braintree Council has been referring people to these schemes for about 20 years.

Until the terms of the proposed contracts are published, it is difficult to assess alternative ways of securing resources and continuing support.

Bramble Court and Braintree Foyer were contacted but no-one was available to give a response.

No-one was available from Essex County Council for comment at this time.