Covid-19 Lockdown: Homelessness and Rough Sleepers Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Imran Ahmad Khan
Main Page: Imran Ahmad Khan (Independent - Wakefield)Department Debates - View all Imran Ahmad Khan's debates with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Covid-19 Lockdown: Homelessness and Rough Sleepers
Imran Ahmad Khan Excerpts(4 years ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
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Kelly Tolhurst
I will happily meet the hon. Lady to discuss that. She has highlighted an issue that affects not only people sleeping rough but those who are at threat of being made homeless. It transcends the two categories, so I would be happy to discuss it further.
Imran Ahmad Khan (Wakefield) (Con)
In December 2019, a report outlined that 216 individuals were being housed in short-term shelters in the Wakefield district. Prior to covid, homelessness and rough sleeping in the district had risen sharply, raising concerns about the safety and wellbeing of those who suffer this plight. What steps is my hon. Friend taking to increase the number of homes available for people who are currently homeless as part of the Government’s ambition to end rough sleeping by 2024?
Kelly Tolhurst
The Government are investing more than £150 million in permanent accommodation, delivering 3,300 units, to give an asset to the country that will provide properties for individuals who are sleeping rough and who are then able to come into the system. That is an amazing step forward. It is the biggest investment in this kind of housing since the early ’90s, and I thank my hon. Friend for allowing me to make that point.