Responding to the announcement of extra COVID-19 protections for
rough sleepers and renters, Cllr David Renard, Local Government
Association housing spokesperson, said:
“Since the start of the pandemic and the Everyone In
initiative, councils have continued to do everything they can to
get people sleeping rough off the streets and into safe
accommodation, to minimise the spread of infection.
“This will remain a key focus of councils’ ongoing efforts
during the current lockdown. However further clarity is needed on
how housing teams can work with local health teams to support
homeless people to get vaccinated as swiftly and effectively as
possible.
“It is good the Government is providing further additional
funding to tackle rough sleeping, but it is likely that councils
will need further financial support in the difficult weeks and
months ahead to move people into safe and secure housing. We also
urge the Government to remove the No Recourse to Public Funds
condition so that councils can ensure that everyone who is
vulnerable can access help if needed, regardless of immigration
status.
“Extending the ban on bailiff enforcement action is also
the right thing to do. During this extremely challenging time,
tenants who are struggling to afford their rent need the
assurance that they are not going to be left without a home. This
will not only avoid causing major disruption for families but
will help to prevent placing even greater pressure on already
over-stretched council homelessness services.”
