£105m announced to keep people sleeping rough safe and off the streets during pandemic – Crisis response

MHCLG has announced £105m in funding and interim housing for thousands of people sleeping rough taken off the streets during the coronavirus outbreak.

The funding will be used to support people who are sleeping rough, and those at risk of homelessness, into tenancies of their own, including through help with deposits for accommodation and securing thousands of alternative rooms already available and ready for use, such as student accommodation.

Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Crisis, said: “This funding is a real step forward towards tackling homelessness across England, but money alone will not provide a guarantee of safe and secure accommodation during and after this public health crisis. We need emergency legal measures to ensure that every local council can provide housing support to everyone experiencing homelessness, regardless of their immigration status.

“Across the country, we know that support is patchy and inconsistent, with councils often uncertain who they should be helping, and in need of clarity and direction from Government. In addition to this very welcome extra funding we need to see additional legislation that gives everyone at risk somewhere safe to stay.”