Shelter's ‘Building Our Way Out’ report and the ‘New Homes Rescue Fund’ raises many important points about our economic recovery, the challenges faced by tenants and the need for further investment in housebuilding across the country. I recognise the multiple difficulties that the current pandemic presents, especially when there is still much uncertainty over what further temporary measures may be needed to keep people safe and protect livelihoods.
The lockdown has been a hard time for many, especially those that have been shielding throughout the pandemic to stay safe. The six-month eviction moratorium has helped protect thousands of households in their homes, while the new six-month eviction notice period will provide further stability over the winter months. I realise the stress that restrictions have placed on individuals and families, and I hope we can get to a point where people can fully resume their lives in a safe way.
Rough sleeping is a complex and multi-faceted problem and there is therefore no silver bullet solution. The issue can only be solved sustainably if its root causes are properly tackled.
To end rough sleeping, we must therefore not only provide the accommodation required, but also ensure that people are: helped to tackle addiction, supported into employment and provided with proper access to healthcare. Furthermore, to have the truly transformative effect required, it is vital that various partners including: central government, local authorities and expert charities work effectively together to provide that wrap around support.
I am pleased that here in Maidstone we have a shining example of exactly that kind of root cause focussed, partnership working with Maidstone Borough Council’s Rough Sleeping Initiative. The programme has made remarkable progress in recent years, reducing street homelessness in our borough by a staggering 90% between the Autumns of 2018 and 2019.
They have achieved this by combining central government funding and local government leadership with the expertise of local charities. However, their work is not yet complete; and the project continues to support many individuals with complex needs.
Following a visit to the inspiring project in 2019, I therefore wrote to my colleagues in the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government to outline the success of the programme and to ask them to ensure that it continues to receive funding for this financial year. I am delighted that the Government have confirmed that as part of an additional £112 million to be invested in tackling rough sleeping this year, Maidstone is receiving an extra £375,750.
