A critical report has said Maldon is letting down residents in need of housing.

Families on a low income and homeless people are the main losers, according to the Best Value review commissioned by central government.

Rising homelessness, a lack of temporary accommodation, problems with benefit claims and unrecorded complaints were all levelled at Maldon District Council.

An action plan by council officers omits key areas, is internally focused, non-specific and lacks urgency, says the report.

Audit Commission inspectors awarded only one star out of a possible three to the district council, and head of corporate services, Stuart Elrick, said even that had to be fought for.

"The original recommendation was for no stars at all, so we are pleased we managed to persuade them," he said.

The report places a "duty of care" on councils to deliver economic and efficient services to the public.

It commended the four members of council staff in the housing office for their dedication, but said that wasn't enough to improve poor management.

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