I have recently been contacted by constituents as part of
the ‘No turning back’ campaign about ending homelessness.
I have been pleased to see the Government make funding available
for rough sleepers, or those at risk of rough sleeping, who will be supported by £3.2 million of initial
emergency funding if they need to self-isolate to prevent the spread of
coronavirus (COVID-19).
The funding has been made available to all local authorities
in England and will reimburse them for the cost of providing accommodation and
services to those sleeping on the streets to help them successfully
self-isolate.
It is in addition to the £492 million committed in 2020 to
2021 to support the government’s ambition to end rough sleeping in this
Parliament, a £124 million increase in funding from the previous year.
This
forms part of £643 million in funding to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping
over the next four years.
This initial emergency response funding will ensure swift
support is offered to people who are unable to self-isolate, such as those
staying in night shelters or assessment hubs, as well as people who are
currently sleeping rough.
I am sure the Government and Cornwall Council locally will
do everything they can to support all parts of our society at this challenging
time and I will support them in doing this, as well as in looking at ways to
further reduce homelessness across our country in the future, such as with the
national schemes we already have.
