It is a scandal that the number of people experiencing homelessness is spiralling upwards - Healey

John Healey MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, commenting on forecasts of rough sleeping over the next decade, said:

“It is a national scandal that in 21^st century Britain the number of people experiencing homelessness is spiralling upwards.

“These new figures are a terrible reminder of the consequences of Conservative Ministers’ seven years of failure on housing.

“The number of people sleeping rough fell under Labour but has risen every year under the Conservatives and has now doubled since 2010. 

“This is a direct result of decisions made by Conservative Ministers: a steep drop in investment for affordable homes, crude cuts to housing benefit, reduced funding for homelessness services, and a refusal to help private renters.

“Ministers must now back Labour’s plans to fix the housing crisis and end rough sleeping by the end of this Parliament.”