UK Parliament Addresses Homelessness Crisis with New Strategy

The UK Parliament has taken steps to address the growing issue of homelessness, with a new strategy and increased funding aimed at providing more support to those in need. The House of Commons Hansard has reported on the debate, which highlighted the need for a whole-of-Government approach to tackle the crisis. Members of Parliament (MPs) have expressed concern about the number of people sleeping rough on the streets, which has increased by 250% since 2010, and the record number of people in temporary accommodation.

Key Takeaways:

• The UK Government has announced £84 million in additional funding for homelessness and rough sleeping, bringing the total investment to over £1 billion.
• The funding includes £644 million for the homelessness prevention grant and £255 million for the rough sleeping prevention and recovery grant.
• The Government plans to decriminalize rough sleeping by repealing the Vagrancy Act 1824.
• A new homelessness strategy will be published later this year, which will focus on prevention and address the issue of out-of-area placements.
• The Government is keeping the homelessness code of guidance under review, which includes the issue of out-of-area placements.
• A significant investment will be made in the local authority housing fund, aimed at acquiring better accommodation and reducing the use of expensive bed and breakfast hotels.

Statistics:

• The number of people sleeping rough on the streets has increased by 250% since 2010.
• Children living in bed and breakfast accommodation has dropped, but the issue remains unresolved.
• The Government is investing £84 million in additional funding for homelessness and rough sleeping.
• The total investment in homelessness and rough sleeping has reached over £1 billion.
• The homelessness prevention grant has been allocated £644 million.
• The rough sleeping prevention and recovery grant has been allocated £255 million.

Sources:

• House of Commons Hansard (UK Parliament)

(Hansard: Written Ministerial Statement, 04 Oct 2024)

• Government announcement on £84 million funding for homelessness and rough sleeping