Crisis responds to Government's announcement to levy foreign buyers to fund the tackling of rough sleeping
30.09.2018
Crisis responds to Government's announcement to levy foreign buyers to fund the tackling of rough sleeping
Crisis Director of Policy and External Affairs Matt Downie said:
"We welcome the Government's announcement to levy foreign buyers to fund a drive to tackle rough sleeping. We need bold action now to house and support all rough sleepers and to prevent homelessness in the first place. We hope this new policy marks a shift in the political priority of the issue.
"There are currently thousands of people with no choice but to sleep rough across the country. Rough sleeping is beyond dangerous, it’s deadly, and it’s claiming more and more lives each year. Those sleeping on our streets are exposed to everything from sub-zero temperatures, to violence and abuse, and fatal illnesses. They are 17 times more likely to be a victim of violence, twice as likely to die from infections, and nine times more likely to commit suicide.
"The Government has already committed to a Rough Sleeping Strategy which, if implemented properly, could transform lives, supporting people off the streets and into safe and secure accommodation. We hope this extra funding will help take the rough sleeping strategy further, tackling the root causes of homelessness, such as making sure Housing Benefit matches the spiralling costs of renting, so that people don’t become homeless in the first place. Only when all these measures are in place will we be able to end homelessness once and for all.”
"There are currently thousands of people with no choice but to sleep rough across the country. Rough sleeping is beyond dangerous, it’s deadly, and it’s claiming more and more lives each year. Those sleeping on our streets are exposed to everything from sub-zero temperatures, to violence and abuse, and fatal illnesses. They are 17 times more likely to be a victim of violence, twice as likely to die from infections, and nine times more likely to commit suicide.
"The Government has already committed to a Rough Sleeping Strategy which, if implemented properly, could transform lives, supporting people off the streets and into safe and secure accommodation. We hope this extra funding will help take the rough sleeping strategy further, tackling the root causes of homelessness, such as making sure Housing Benefit matches the spiralling costs of renting, so that people don’t become homeless in the first place. Only when all these measures are in place will we be able to end homelessness once and for all.”