The Government is committed to ending rough sleeping once and for all by 2024.
A new strategy 'Ending Rough Sleeping For Good' has been published which sets out the Government's plan to prevent more people from finding themselves without a safe roof over their heads. This builds on the encouraging progress which has already been made, with the number of rough sleepers falling in every region of England and levels in 2021 reaching an eight-year low overall.
The new strategy is backed up by £2 billion worth of investment over the next three years to 2025. This includes funding for emergency accommodation, longer-term housing and tailored wrap-around support. The Government will also improve the support available to help people with experience of rough sleeping into employment.
The Government is making the largest ever investment in move-on accommodation which is helping to provide vulnerable people with support and a place to live. The £433 million Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme will deliver 6,000 move-on homes to those who are rough sleeping or who have a history of sleeping rough. Once in their new home, rough sleepers will be supported by specialist staff to access the help they need.
A key focus of Government work is helping people find longer-term accommodation and ensuring that they receive personalised support to move forwards. Local councils have an important role to play here. I know that, already, the number of people in emergency accommodation has nearly halved, with more people securing long-term homes.
