Homelessness
Debate between Baroness Doocey and Baroness Hanham
Baroness Hanham
My Lords, local authorities have no excuse for cutting the Supporting People grants, which have by and large been preserved in cash terms—the reduction is less than 1 per cent. Although that is part of the unring-fenced grant, we still expect to see that amount of money put towards supporting people. Reductions in the number of bed spaces available cannot be attributed to that because the money is there to ensure that there is sufficient accommodation for people who are rough sleeping and are being taken into hostels.
Baroness Doocey
My Lords, I declare an interest as chair of the London Assembly. Is the money also going to provide any specialist help to the estimated one in three rough sleepers who are suffering from mental health problems?
Baroness Hanham
My Lords, the question of why people rough sleep certainly includes mental health problems. The mayor’s initiative to take people in immediately—along with the other hostels—ensures that they get access to both healthcare and support for moving on into housing.