I believe that, in a civilized society, it is unacceptable that people should be faced with the fear of homelessness. It is vitally important to help the most vulnerable in society get their lives back on track.
I have worked very closely with local agencies hosting a range of roundtables to ensure that where people have difficulties with their benefits that have contacted my office are given support and advice through local organisations and am aware of at least three cases of pending homelessness that my intervention has ensured has been prevented. I have fought for funding for organisations such as Genesis Trust, DHI, CURO and Julian House and will hopefully continue to champion their work.
I am encouraged that, in December last year, the Prime Minister unveiled plans for new homelessness prevention schemes, including targeted support for those at risk of sleeping rough. The Government is also increasing central funding to tackle homelessness over the next four years to £149 million, and protecting homelessness prevention funding for local authorities at £315 million by 2019-20.
In addition, £100 million is being provided for at least 2,000 low cost accommodation places, for rough sleeper leaving hostel accommodation and domestic abuse victims and their families moving on from refuges.
Further, I am proud that the Government supported Bob Blackman’s Homelessness Reduction Act, which will provide vital support for many more people.
A total of £40 million will refurbish hostels to provide low-cost accommodation for young and single people. This will help to prevent the tragic cycle of homelessness which traps too many people, and enable the most vulnerable to access housing, training and education.