Winter Homelessness Support

Recalled witnessing someone drinking water from a puddle outside Charing Cross station, highlighting the need for intervention to prevent situations that start as parties from turning into nightmares due to weather changes and drug addiction. Mr Holloway argued that street homelessness is primarily a health issue rather than a housing one. He stated that most homeless individuals suffer from mental health or addiction problems and lack family support networks, suggesting that more governmental intervention in health services is necessary to address the problem. He intervened to argue that there is a significant difference between entrenched street homeless individuals and those facing general homelessness. Adam Holloway suggested that conflating these two groups hinders effective assistance for both categories. Intervened briefly to ask the hon. Lady a question.

He highlighted the Scottish Government's investment of £32.5 million towards ending homelessness, which is more than half of their £50-million 'Ending Homelessness Together' fund. He mentioned an updated action plan that aims to phase out night shelters and replace them with rehousing welcome centres, providing emergency accommodation and targeted support for health and welfare issues. Additionally, he noted a £100 million package by the Scottish Government to alleviate social harms caused by the pandemic, including flexible funding for local authorities entering protection level 4. He expressed concern over UK Home Office policies that could lead to deportation of non-UK nationals facing homelessness, criticising this as inhumane and counterproductive.

I am concerned about the deaths of 778 homeless people in 2019, a 7% increase from the previous year. I urge local authorities to be given resources for safe accommodation and criticise the reopening of communal night shelters.

He congratulated the hon. Member for securing the debate, acknowledged the Government's Everyone In programme that helped 30,000 people but questioned the lack of accurate measurement methods. He highlighted issues with no recourse to public funds affecting 10% in Southwark and called for its abolishment or funding compensation. The MP praised the self-contained rooms provided by Southwark's Robes Project due to the pandemic risks and asked for a continuation of such measures. Concerned about the rising number of deaths among homeless individuals, he requested specific measures from the Minister. Additionally, Neil Coyle noted the increase in people seeking homelessness assistance from local authorities and stressed the importance of proper resource allocation. Mr Coyle intervened to ask what actions the SNP Government are taking to address drug-related deaths in Scotland, given that those figures are higher than average among homeless individuals. The MP asked if the Minister would give way, indicating a desire for further discussion.

I am concerned about the increase in rough sleeping from three people in 2010 to 48 in 2018. I advocate for Housing First with full wraparound support, including secure quality accommodation, access to health services, and skills training.

Mr Timms highlighted the issue of rough sleeping around Westminster and called for a substantial programme of investment in social housing to address it. He praised church-based night shelters that provide accommodation during winter but noted their capacity has been reduced due to COVID-19 measures. Mr Timms also raised concerns about individuals with leave to remain who have no recourse to public funds, urging the Minister to press her Home Office colleagues to suspend this restriction during the pandemic.

Mr McCabe highlighted the alarming rise in suicide rates among rough sleepers, noting that Birmingham has recorded the second highest rate of homeless deaths. He mentioned over 3,500 households living in temporary accommodation and 16,000 on the housing register in Birmingham. Mr McCabe praised the Everyone In programme but called for a more coordinated approach to tackle homelessness.

The MP criticised the consequences of past government decisions, highlighting that they are felt on the streets and in temporary accommodation. She mentioned that 130,000 children will be living in unsuitable conditions, affecting their education and potential. The MP questioned how much funding from the Protect programme and cold weather fund has been allocated to councils.