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COVID-19 rough sleepers taskforce launched by MHCLG as domestic abuse survivors are given priority need
A taskforce has been created to ensure rough sleepers are offered permanent accommodation after the pandemic, as the government announces that domestic abuse survivors are to be given priority need for housing.
On Saturday, housing secretary Robert Jenrick unveiled both initiatives at the government’s daily coronavirus press conference. He also announced an additional £76m in funding to support survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and vulnerable children.
Spearheaded by Dame Louise Casey, Mr Jenrick said the new taskforce will work alongside councils on plans to ensure rough sleepers can move into long-term, safe accommodation once lockdown is over.
It follows a government initiative to ensure all rough sleepers are provided with emergency accommodation during the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the government, over 90% of rough sleepers known to councils at the beginning of the crisis have now been offered emergency accommodation in hotels or B&Bs.
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Mr Jenrick said: “By working closely with councils, charities, faith groups and health providers, we have offered accommodation to over 5,400 people who were sleeping rough at the beginning of the crisis – that’s over 90% of known rough sleepers.
“This national effort has potentially helped to protect thousands of lives.
“As the country prepares for the next phase of the battle against coronavirus, Dame Louise Casey will spearhead a taskforce to provide us with expert advice and knowledge to put in place a long-term plan to stop as many vulnerable people as possible from returning to life on the streets.”
The housing secretary also announced an amendment to the Domestic Abuse Bill, which had its second reading in parliament last week, to ensure survivors of domestic abuse are given priority need for housing.
The legislation, which is permanent and unrelated to the pandemic, means councils will now have a legal duty to provide anyone fleeing domestic abuse with temporary accommodation when they present themselves as homeless.
Earlier this year, Inside Housing revealed that over 500 domestic abuse survivors had been denied access to temporary accommodation in the space of one year as they were determined by councils to not be vulnerable enough.
Responding to the amendment to the Domestic Abuse Bill, Jon Sparkes, chief executive of homelessness charity Crisis, said: “We strongly commend the government for making this lifesaving change to the Domestic Abuse Bill, which will ensure survivors have somewhere safe to call home.
“We see every day the devastating effect it has when people fleeing domestic abuse have nowhere safe to go, so we know this measure will be hugely transformative.
“This is a landmark moment for survivors, and the government must be congratulated for ensuring they will now have somewhere safe and stable to rebuild their lives. We look forward to working together as this legislation makes its way through parliament.”
