Rough Sleeping

The Housing Secretary highlights that since becoming Housing Secretary, he has seen encouraging figures showing a reduction in rough sleepers. The Government's strategy is working and includes £236 million of new money for move-on accommodation, safely supporting up to an additional 6,000 rough sleepers off the streets with support wrapped around them.

I thank the Secretary of State for advance sight of his statement. Rough sleeping is not inevitable in a country as decent and well off as ours. The cost of a decade of austerity has been over 700 deaths last year on our streets and huge numbers of children and families in bed-and-breakfast and temporary accommodation. It is the defining mark of this Conservative Government... Today’s figures come with a big health warning: everyone, from the Secretary of State to homelessness charities, knows that these statistics are an unreliable undercount of the true scale of the problem. The figures have been refused national statistics status—a mark of trustworthiness, quality and public value.

I accept the hon. Lady’s comments and say with all sincerity and humility that we must do more as a country to tackle rough sleeping... The hon. Lady asks about the rough sleeping initiative and the funding we have put in. In fact, the increases are significant. RSI funding has gone up by 30% this year. We are spending £400 million in the next financial year, and the announcement made today is of an additional £236 million—and yes, it is new money.

I commend my right hon. Friend on his commitment and the additional investment by the Government, which is starting to bear fruit... I welcome in particular his recognition that solving homelessness is not just about sustainable income; it is about dealing with the underlying problems of those who find themselves on the street.

I am grateful to the Minister for advance sight of his statement. I agree that it is a moral scandal that we have rough sleeping in this day and age, and I wish him every success with his strategy to tackle rough sleeping by the end of this Parliament... Will the Government’s review of their homelessness strategy look at what is being done in other countries, including Scotland? Will they follow the Scottish Government’s lead in building genuinely affordable housing?

Asked about the independent review's engagement with charities such as St Mungo’s, Crisis, and Guildford Action.

Responded that the independent review will engage with local charities and organisations. He mentioned visiting Connection by St Martin in the Fields along with the Prime Minister to learn from their work.

Welcomed the Secretary of State's ambition but highlighted the ongoing work of church-based homelessness night shelters in London and asked for support beyond volunteer efforts, suggesting a need for state intervention.

Acknowledged the importance of volunteers and faith organisations' contributions while emphasising that tackling rough sleeping is also a moral issue requiring state resources and commitment.

Complimented the Secretary of State's statement on ending rough sleeping permanently, but noted that more needs to be done beyond addressing visible homelessness. He suggested building 90,000 new social homes a year instead of 10,000.

Agreed on the necessity of building more homes and set targets to build a million new homes during the current Parliament and reach 300,000 homes a year by mid-decade. He also emphasised the role of councils in decision-making.

Asked about ending the moral scandal of homeless people dying on streets without palliative care, proposing to meet with charities that helped draft a bill for proper end-of-life care for homeless individuals.

Acknowledged the issue and agreed to discuss the Homelessness (End of Life Care) Bill. He mentioned derogating public money for compassionate services, particularly for non-UK nationals on streets with serious mental health conditions.

Welcomed additional funds and invited the Secretary of State to visit a charity in Wolverhampton that addresses rough sleeping issues.

Agreed to visit Wolverhampton and expressed willingness to provide 6,000 move-on units across the country through various means including new properties and private rented sector usage. He highlighted successful Housing First pilots in Walsall.

Noted high rates of homelessness outside London in the south-east, urging for affordable accommodation to help families struggling with overcrowded living conditions.

Acknowledged investment in affordable housing through programmes like the £9 billion Affordable Homes Programme and commitment to a bigger and more ambitious programme post-2025.

Praised Conservative-led councils in Greater Manchester for their work on reducing rough sleeping, specifically mentioning Bolton as an example.

Acknowledged the success of Greater Manchester's efforts and expressed intent to visit Bolton soon. He highlighted the involvement of local councillors in raising funds for charities by sleeping rough.

Discussed the issue of released prisoners who are homeless going on to reoffend and proposed reviewing and repealing the Vagrancy Act 1824 to stop criminalising rough sleepers.

Acknowledged reviewing the Vagrancy Act, investing in pilots for safe accommodation for ex-offenders and working closely with the Ministry of Justice on the matter.

Complimented the Secretary's statement on additional funds and urgent review while paying tribute to local charities and Stoke-on-Trent City Council. She mentioned a powerful production by Voices of Stoke that highlighted complex needs leading to rough sleeping.

Stresses the need for a nuanced approach to tackling rough sleeping, recognising efforts of volunteers and organisations. Mentions significant reduction in rough sleepers in Stoke.

Highlights the quadrupling of rough sleeping in Hull over a decade, questioning the Secretary of State about reduced funding for single homeless support services.

Confirms actions through the Homelessness Reduction Act and plans to adjust local housing allowance. Emphasises the importance of building more homes across the country.

Welcomes the Housing Secretary's statement, praising a joint bid for funding from multiple councils in his area and calling for more collaboration among councils to tackle homelessness.