Labour's Plans to Tackle Homelessness

Homelessness and rough sleeping levels in England are far too high. It is an absolute scandal that so many people are living without a roof over their heads. Being without a safe secure place to live has a devastating impact on those affected and ultimately damages our local communities too.

The Labour Government is committed to addressing current high levels of rough sleeping, which is why I welcome today’s announcement.

We will be tripling the emergency cash for rough sleepers this winter. This will be an extra £20 million for over 280 councils to provide warm beds for those sleeping rough long term. The cash will go directly into areas with record levels of rough sleeping, ultimately saving lives and supporting thousands of vulnerable people in society facing the cold weather.

Stockport Council will receive an additional £67,000 with Manchester will get almost £280,000 to tackle rough sleeping with specific support for veterans, care leavers and victims of domestic violence. 

I want to pay tribute not only to the local authority but local organisations such as the Wellspring and Engage Grow Go who give life-changing support to those people in need, helping to address substance abuse and provide employment opportunities 

Homelessness is not a personal choice and society should never accept it as the ‘norm’.  There are many reasons for homelessness and it can happen to any of us at any time. It is therefore vital there is more truly affordable housing for those on the lowest incomes.  

Again, this Labour Government will deliver the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation and deliver 1.5 million new homes over this parliament.