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Charities urge government not to ‘abandon’ homelessness review following Dame Louise Casey’s departure
Homelessness charities and local authorities are calling on ministers to reaffirm their commitment to carrying out a review of the government’s rough sleeping strategy almost one month after its top homelessness advisor stepped down.
Sector leaders have said the review into rough sleeping, first announced by the government in February, must happen “soon” if the government is to meet its target of ending rough sleeping by 2024.
Steve Douglas, chief executive of St Mungo’s, said: “We need confirmation that the government is still committed to the review, that it is going to happen and happen soon.
“Ending rough sleeping is a manifesto commitment and we must not lose the opportunity to build on the success of ‘Everyone In’ and the Next Steps Accommodation Programme.”
In February, the government hired Dame Louise Casey to oversee its review into rough sleeping.
But her role quickly changed when the pandemic hit and she became head of the taskforce responsible for moving rough sleepers who had been temporarily housed in hotels into permanent accommodation.
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Last month, Dame Louise announced she was stepping back from her role as head of the taskforce. A government source said that discussions are ongoing with Dame Louise around what future advice and support she may be able to offer ministers.
Rick Henderson, chief executive of Homeless Link, said: “The COVID-19 crisis has impacted every sector, and the response from the government to those who were rough sleeping at the time the pandemic hit achieved an enormous amount with thousands brought in from the streets.
“However, the original plan for a review into the causes of homelessness that was the original remit of Dame Louise Casey must not be abandoned.”
Darren Rodwell, executive member for housing and planning at London Councils and leader of Barking & Dagenham Council, said: “We can’t afford for the government to lose focus on homelessness.
“If there’s to be any hope of meeting the target of ending rough sleeping by 2024, we need a coherent national strategy and ongoing commitment from ministers to give this issue the priority it deserves.”
Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Crisis, said: “Now Dame Louise has left, we need strong leadership to oversee the homelessness review and implement emergency legislation that would stop people being forced back onto the streets.
“The review needs to look at permanent solutions to end rough sleeping including the rolling out of Housing First and ensuring the benefit cap is not a barrier to having a secure and affordable home.”
A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: “The government is committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness and ending rough sleeping for good.
“We are providing over half a billion pounds to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping this year to provide longer-term accommodation – including 3,300 homes this year alone – and tailored support so as few people as possible return to life on the streets.
“This work will build on Dame Louise’s invaluable contribution, and a strong team of experts remains in place to deliver it.”
