The “immediate action” is part of a long-term plan by deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner to address homelessness across the capital and prevent deaths over the “harshest months of the year.”
The north-central region which includes Islington and Westminster will receive nearly £1m from a £10m national emergency fund set up by the government . The south-west of London, including Kingston, is set to receive at least £156,000.
The push comes in light of recent figures that revealed the number of rough sleepers in London have increased by 18% compared to last year, reaching a record high. Last year, 155 people died rough sleeping in London with over 4,500 sleeping rough this summer.
Speaking as chair of a cross-government group to tackle the issue, Rayner voiced her concerns on homelessness.
“Anyone forced to sleep rough on our streets represents a complete failure of the broken system we’ve inherited. It’s a national disgrace.”
She then emphasised the government’s pledge to “ensure everyone has access to the basic right of safe, secure housing.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan echoed Rayner’s comments, “welcoming” the funding as part of his commitment to “end rough sleeping in the capital for good by 2030” but stressed “there is still much more to be done.”
Whilst a notable step in the fight against homelessness, critics worry this does not tackle the root cause of London’s rough sleepers.
Francesca Albanese, from the homeless charity Crisis, warned the money “won’t be enough” in meeting the scale of the issue, especially considering those living in temporary accommodation.
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HeadlineNearly £3m pledged to councils in bid to tackle homelessness
Short Headline Councils given £3m to tackle homelessness
StandfirstFive London Councils have been given £2.7m to stop rough sleeping over winter
The “immediate action” is part of a long-term plan by deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner to address homelessness across the capital and prevent deaths over the “harshest months of the year.”
The north-central region which includes Islington and Westminster will receive nearly £1m from a £10m national emergency fund set up by the government . The south-west of London, including Kingston, is set to receive at least £156,000.
The push comes in light of recent figures that revealed the number of rough sleepers in London have increased by 18% compared to last year, reaching a record high. Last year, 155 people died rough sleeping in London with over 4,500 sleeping rough this summer.
Speaking as chair of a cross-government group to tackle the issue, Rayner voiced her concerns on homelessness.
“Anyone forced to sleep rough on our streets represents a complete failure of the broken system we’ve inherited. It’s a national disgrace.”
She then emphasised the government’s pledge to “ensure everyone has access to the basic right of safe, secure housing.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan echoed Rayner’s comments, “welcoming” the funding as part of his commitment to “end rough sleeping in the capital for good by 2030” but stressed “there is still much more to be done.”
Whilst a notable step in the fight against homelessness, critics worry this does not tackle the root cause of London’s rough sleepers.
Francesca Albanese, from the homeless charity Crisis, warned the money “won’t be enough” in meeting the scale of the issue, especially considering those living in temporary accommodation.
