Rough Sleeping Erith and Thamesmead 2026-09-07

2026-09-07

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Context
The MP is concerned about the progress made in addressing rough sleeping and homelessness in her constituency of Erith and Thamesmead. She seeks an update on the specific actions taken and the impact of these actions.
What progress has been made on tackling rough sleeping and homelessness in Erith and Thamesmead constituency? The number of families in B&Bs for more than six weeks in Greenwich has decreased by 96% year-on-year, but I want to know what specific measures have been implemented in Erith and Thamesmead to address this issue.
Encouraging progress has been made against national homelessness and rough sleeping targets in the Erith and Thamesmead constituency. In particular, the number of families in B&Bs for more than six weeks in Greenwich has decreased by 96% year-on-year, from 100 households to four—congratulations. More than £168 million in new funding was announced for London last month in the rough sleeping programme. That funding will be used across key areas to tackle rough sleeping in the winter and beyond, including the Erith and Thamesmead constituency.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Context
The MP is concerned about the underreporting of women experiencing rough sleeping. She wants to ensure that the forthcoming homelessness summit addresses this issue specifically and that new guidance is backed by adequate resources for councils to provide safe, trauma-informed support.
Women who are experiencing rough sleeping are often hidden from official figures. Will the Minister ensure that there is a specific focus on that during the forthcoming homelessness summit, and will she ensure that new guidance is backed by the resources that councils need in order to provide safe, trauma-informed support?
I thank my hon. Friend for making that important point. We have made it clear that authorities in all areas should look at providing accessible support for women, including specialist support, where needed. Our ending rough sleeping programme will require a whole-society approach. This autumn, the Prime Minister will bring together a diverse range of leaders from businesses, finance, charities, faith, health communities and many more areas to consider a range of options to meet the needs of different people and, most importantly, the needs of women.
Assessment & feedback
The answer acknowledges the issue but does not provide specific commitments or resources.
Response accuracy