Government action in response to coronavirus and provision for homeless people:
Westminster
Last week, we saw the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) suspend deductions from people’s Universal Credit for benefit over payments. This means where someone has been paid more than their entitlement in benefits they will not have this repayment deducted for three months. This will apply across England, Scotland and Wales. We are continuing to push the DWP to suspend all deductions, as well as sanctions.
Following the work last week to move people sleeping rough, or living in shelters and hostels where they cannot self-isolate, into self-contained accommodation unofficial government statistics suggest around 4000 people are now in self-contained accommodation.
There are still some people who are not being helped under this initiative and we’re continuing to push the Government for a dedicated funding stream for local authorities to procure accommodation and give people the support they need, and for the Government to give clear guidance that everyone is to be accommodated, regardless of immigration status, location connection, priority need or intentionality.
Scotland
We continue to work with the Scottish Government in response to the outbreak. Last week we wrote to the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government and urged them to publish clear communication from the Scottish Government to local authorities to provide clarity of approach and expectation around local connection or intentionality tests, as well as support for people with no recourse to public funds. This is key to making sure that organisations know what is expected and ensure they can provide the necessary support and guidance.
We’ve also highlighted that we’re keen to work with the Scottish Government to develop an exit plan for when the crisis is over to make sure that those who have been offered temporary accommodation can move into secure homes and do not have to return to the streets – including for those with no recourse to public funds.
Wales
The Welsh Government had made £30m available for local councils across Wales to respond to the outbreak, £10m of which is to provide self-contained accommodation for people sleeping rough or in unsuitable temporary accommodation.
Guidance has been issued by the Government on the provision of support to people in temporary accommodation and support for supported accommodation providers and social landlords.
Welsh Government also announced that the leaders of Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Conservatives would join the Welsh Government’s coronavirus group. We will be working closely with the Welsh Government to ensure every person is supported into settled accommodation after the virus outbreak.
Visit the Media Centre on the Crisis website to read our latest on the Government's response.
Article date: 08.04.20