Rough Sleeping — [Christina Rees in the Chair]

I am concerned about the figures showing a rise in rough sleeping and homelessness, with 28% more people sleeping rough in my constituency compared to the previous year. The Government needs to provide more funding for local organisations dealing with this crisis.

Mr Amesbury praised the efforts of MPs from both sides on rough sleeping, highlighting the increase in rough sleepers by twice as many compared to a decade ago. He mentioned that 976 homeless people lost their lives in 2020 and stressed the need for wraparound services to prevent life-threatening situations. Mr Amesbury also expressed concern over the roll-back of support from the 'Everyone In' programme, with almost three-quarters of those helped not moving into settled accommodation. He advocated for sustainable solutions to homelessness, including addressing austerity policies and ensuring strong investment in social housing.

In Brighton, we have seen a 30% increase in rough sleeping over the last year, and I call on the Government to address this by providing better support services for those experiencing homelessness.

The situation in Wolverhampton is dire with a 25% increase in rough sleeping, and we need urgent action to provide more affordable housing and support services for the homeless.

Discussed the Government's efforts to tackle rough sleeping, noting £750 million investment this year. Emphasised that despite these measures, entrenched rough sleepers remain on streets due to mental health and addiction issues. Advocated for repealing the Vagrancy Act 1824 and replacing it with an assertive outreach approach. Called for longer-term funding commitments from the Government.

Rough sleeping is at a record low in Scotland due to partnership efforts between the third sector, local authorities, and the Scottish Government. £50 million of additional funding has been provided for preventing rough sleeping and housing emergency accommodation during the pandemic. The Scottish child payment is aimed at financially challenged households but will be wiped out by the abolition of the universal credit uplift.

Ms Maskell highlighted the ongoing issue of rough sleeping in one of the richest nations, emphasizing the need for a relational approach rather than a transactional one. She cited successful initiatives such as Housing First during the pandemic that provided safe accommodation and supportive services to homeless individuals, leading to positive outcomes like job acquisition and stable living conditions. However, she expressed concern over the lack of permanent funding and appropriate housing stock, noting the rise in living costs and inadequate rental allowances exacerbating homelessness. Charities have faced significant funding cuts during the pandemic, with £10 billion less than at the start. Local authority funding is also likely to see cuts, posing a major threat to resettling people safely.

Emphasised the importance of collaboration in tackling rough sleeping, highlighting a £221 million investment from the Government's rough sleepers' support scheme. She noted the creation of a forum aimed at preventing homelessness with local charities, churches, organisations, local authority officers and homelessness support representatives.

In my constituency of Birmingham Selly Oak, there has been a significant rise in rough sleeping, with reports of people living on the streets despite the cold weather. We need better funding and resources to address this growing issue.