Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, to increase funding to organisations working with people who are homeless.

The Government recognises the challenges faced by those who are homeless or sleeping rough during the Covid-19 outbreak. We are working closely with local authorities and the sector to minimise the risk for vulnerable people and those currently unable to self-isolate.

As an initial first step we have announced £3.2 million in emergency funding for local authorities to help rough sleepers and those at risk of sleeping rough to self-isolate. This funding will assist local authorities with providing accommodation and support to vulnerable people who are at risk of, or who have been diagnosed with, Covid-19.?Further details of this fund can be found at gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/3-2-million-emergency-support-for-rough-sleepers-during-coronavirus-outbreak

Additional funding of £1.6 billion will go to local authorities to enable them to respond to other Covid-19 pressures, including increasing support for the adult social care workforce and for services helping the most vulnerable, including homeless people.