Councils urged to review rough sleeping plans

The government has ordered councils to review their rough-sleeping plans as temperatures start to drop and the second national lockdown begins.

The housing secretary Robert Jenrick announced yesterday (5 November) that a further £15m has been allocated to support the ongoing efforts to provide accommodation for rough sleepers during the pandemic.

This scheme – called the ‘Protect Programme’ – will help areas that need additional support most during the restrictions and throughout winter.

In addition, all councils will have to update their rough sleeping plans by the end of the year, providing an overview of their support for those sleeping rough.

The local authorities will also be asked to carry out a rapid assessment of need for everyone they accommodate and to consider time limited interventions for those rough sleeping now or new to rough sleeping.

‘As the new national measures come into force, I am launching the Protect Programme to ensure councils are offering everyone sleeping rough on our streets today somewhere safe to go – protecting people from the virus and moving forward with our goal of eliminating rough sleeping,’ said Mr Jenrick.

Responding to the announcement, the chairman of the Local Government Association, Cllr James Jamieson, urged ministers to temporarily remove the No Recourse to Public Funds condition, which would reduce public health risks and pressures on homelessness services by enabling vulnerable people to access welfare benefits, who are currently unable to do so because of their immigration status.

‘As we enter this second national lockdown, councils will continue to do everything they can to accommodate new rough sleepers during the winter as well as support those already off the streets into safe, long-term accommodation with the appropriate support,’ said Mr Jamieson.

‘Councils are stepping up to this huge ongoing challenge and this funding is good news. It will boost local efforts to try and find safe, self-contained accommodation available to all those who need it over the winter.’

Photo Credit – QuinnTheIslander (Pixabay)