Rough sleeping eradication plan revealed

Communities Secretary James Brokenshire has revealed a plan to end rough sleeping on England's streets by 2027, with the government backing the plan with £100 million of funding.

The new measures seek to help up to 6,000 vulnerable people receive rapid specialist assessments and support, marking the next steps in the government’s bid to end rough sleeping entirely by 2027. It has been reported that approximately 4,750 people were sleeping rough on any given night in England in 2017.

The Rough Sleeping Strategy will focus on preventing people from becoming homeless in the first place by offering a range of support, with £30 million to be spent on mental health help and treatment for substance misuse and training offered for staff on how to help people affected by the illegal drug Spice, which roughly 90 per cent of homeless people in Manchester are estimated to use.

Additionally, roughly £50 million will be put towards homes outside London for those who are ready to move on from hostels or refuges, although, like the total £100 million figure, it is not clear how much is new investment and how much of the funding is coming from previous funding proposals.

James Brokenshire said: “It is simply unacceptable that people have to sleep on our streets and I am determined to make it a thing of the past. Whether people are at risk of rough sleeping, already on the streets or in need of settled accommodation, we now have a solid plan to help the most vulnerable in our society. And this is not just about putting a roof over their heads but helping them find a place to call home. They need and deserve our support and, through our expert-backed strategy, I am confident they will get it.”