LGA responds to new government initiative to reduce rough sleeping

Responding to the announcement of a new £30 million government fund over the next year to help councils reduce rough sleeping, Cllr Martin Tett, the Local Government Association’s Housing spokesman, said:

“Rough sleepers are vulnerable to crime or exploitation and are likely to have complex support needs. This additional funding will help some councils - with their partners - to provide extra support to reduce rough sleeping.

“We are working with the Government on a longer-term approach to eradicating rough sleeping. Beyond this initial investment, we look forward to the launch this summer of the Government’s strategy and investment plans to end rough sleeping and to tackle homelessness.

“Councils are on the front line of the battle against homelessness, currently housing more than 120,000 homeless children and they are doing everything they can to prevent homelessness in the first place by working to support people in securing accommodation, helping with their health and wellbeing, and developing the skills to find work.

“In order for councils to be able to help end homelessness, we ask that the Government accept the calls of the LGA and the cross-party Treasury Select Committee and gives councils the freedom to be able to borrow to invest in building new affordable homes.”