Today, Tuesday 17th March, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced £3.2 million of emergency funding to help rough sleepers to self-isolate. The department said that the funding represents an initial first step to help local authorities and frontline services be fully prepared and put emergency measures in place.

Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: “It is an important step that the Government has acknowledged the need to provide accommodation for people sleeping rough, and those in night shelters, to self-isolate. However, leaving each local council to decide how they respond is a piecemeal and insufficient approach. What we really need is a coordinated plan from national Government to ensure people experiencing homelessness have immediate access to appropriate housing during this outbreak.

 “We also need to see a cross-Government effort to prevent soaring levels of homelessness in the wake of COVID-19 – this should include a ban on evictions and additional financial support through the Universal Credit system. Last month, the Government appointed Dame Louise Casey as their rough sleeping tsar, starting after Easter – we urge them to bring this appointment forward so that she can lead the robust response needed.”

-ENDS-