Homelessness Reduction Bill

Nick Smith Excerpts

2nd reading: House of Commons
Friday 28th October 2016 Commons Chamber

[Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab)]

Does my hon. Friend agree that additional funding must be made available to help councils to support the good intentions in the Bill?

[Simon Danczuk]

Absolutely. The point has been made that the measures have to be resourced, and I am sure that the Minister will address that when he speaks.

In the borough of Rochdale, Petrus provides a drop-in support service for vulnerable people who are experiencing homelessness, and people who are at risk of homelessness and marginalisation. The advice and support that the charity gives its users is vital. However, with rough sleeping on the rise, politicians at a national level must also act immediately to help to prevent homelessness. This Bill will ensure that fewer individuals slip through the safety net. It will ensure that they receive the support that they need before it is too late.

There is no doubt that more must be done to tackle the causes of homelessness, but the Bill is a step in the right direction and it is imperative that we all support it.