Ellie Ames 13 February 2025

Rough sleeping ‘a source of national shame’, MPs say

Rough sleeping ‘a source of national shame’, MPs say image
Image: Leonid Lev / Shutterstock.com

The rising number of people sleeping rough in England is a source of national shame, ministers have been told.

The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee has written to housing secretary Angela Rayner and homelessness minister Rushanara Ali to call for action on rising numbers of people sleeping rough.

Following an inquiry, the committee has urged the Government to end Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions through the passage of the Renters’ Rights Bill as soon as possible.

Ministers should ensure Universal Credit meets the costs of essentials and end the 5-week waiting period for receiving the payment, MPs said.

They also recommendeded a shift to a smaller number of longer-term funding streams to enable councils to better plan support services, and pushed for a sub-target for social and affordable tenures as part of the Government’s 1.5 million homes goal.

Committee chair Florence Eshalomi said: ‘The success of the “Everyone In” policy during the pandemic shows it’s possible to end rough sleeping.

‘Building more social and genuinely affordable housing will be crucial to any long-term solution but we must also address the immediate housing need for those who are rough sleeping.

‘We must also improve the delivery of joined-up support for those with long-standing health and addiction issues to help them get back on their feet.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role that is a little different? Ripon, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role that is a little different? Bradley, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Specialist Customer Service Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£31,537 - £34,434 per annum
Are you passionate about helping others and making a real impact in your community? We’re looking for Specialist Customer Service Officers to join our dynamic Contact Centre team, the first point of contact for a wide range of essential services acros Oxfordshire County Council , County Hall, Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Cook

North Yorkshire Council
£13.47 - £14.13 per hour
Are you keen to join a friendly team who are committed to making a real impact in their local community? Lancaster, Lancashire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Catering Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £12.65 per hour
We have an opportunity to join our award-winning Facilities Management catering team. North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner