Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Marcus Jones and Andrew Bridgen

Monday 14th September 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Jones]

As I said earlier, this is an extremely important issue. Ministerial work is going on in relation to the military covenant, and my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Planning is part of that ministerial group. We are also supporting local authorities with programmes to help them with rough sleepers, both to help rough sleepers on the street so that they do not spend a second night out—that has been especially useful in London—and to work with other housing groups so that rough sleeping does not become entrenched. We are helping people to get off the streets, especially those with mental health issues.

[Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con)]

Will the Minister confirm that statutory homelessness acceptances are now lower than they were under the previous Labour Government?

[Mr Jones]

My hon. Friend is right. Statutory homelessness is now lower than in 26 of the last 30 years and less than half of what it was at its peak under the last Labour Government.