9
Not Addressed
There are substantial differences between a well-established severe weather emergency protocol, which provides short-term accommodation,...
Conclusion
There are substantial differences between a well-established severe weather emergency protocol, which provides short-term accommodation, often in night shelters or other communal spaces, and providing long-term accommodation in self-contained en-suite units with significant wraparound support. While there can be some similarities—especially the principle of ‘In for Good’—this is undermined by the different way the Government stipulates how funding can be used for Severe Weather Emergency Protocol versus Everyone In. The Everyone In funding since May 2020 cannot be spent on individuals with no recourse to public funds, in comparison to the Cold Weather Fund, which can be spent on everyone. Limiting spending in such a manner undermines a broad discretionary power and prevents local authorities from helping whomever they like, unless they spend out of their own pocket.
Government Response Summary
The government outlines its ambition to end rough sleeping and details various support measures and funding allocations, including the Cold Weather Fund. However, it does not directly address the committee's specific criticism regarding the inability to use Everyone In funding for individuals with no recourse to public funds after May 2020.
Paragraph Reference
29
Government Response
Not Addressed
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The Government has made clear its ambition to end rough sleeping by the end of this Parliament. We are determined to build on the success of Everyone In to ensure that rough sleepers are supported away from a life on the streets for good. The Government took unprecedented steps during the pandemic to protect rough sleepers and those at risk of rough sleeping. This work has not stopped and by the end of January, we had supported over 37,000 people with over 11,000 in emergency accommodation and over 26,000 already moved on into longer-term accommodation. On 17 September 2020, we announced allocations to local authorities to pay for immediate support to ensure that vulnerable people supported during the pandemic do not return to the streets. £91.5 million was allocated to 274 councils in England and on 29 October 2020, we announced allocations to local partners to deliver longer-term move-on accommodation through the Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme. More than 3,000 new long-term homes for rough sleepers across the country have been approved, backed by Government investment of more than £150 million. This support builds on the package of winter support announced last year. This included a £10 million Cold Weather Fund for all local authorities to bring forward COVID-secure accommodation and to keep vulnerable people safe from the cold. This was accompanied by a £2 million Transformation Fund for the voluntary sector.
Source
Report
Sixth Report - Protecting the homeless and the private rented sector: MHCLG’s response to Covid-19
31 Mar 2021
HC 1329
Addressee Bodies
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Timeline
Recommendation age
5.3 yrs
Report published
31 Mar 2021