Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support homeless people and ensure that they have permanent accommodation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over 90% of those on the streets and in communal night shelters known to local authorities at the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis have now been made offers of safe accommodation – ensuring some of the most vulnerable in society are protected from the pandemic.

This response is backed by £3.2 billion of additional funding for local authorities to enable them to respond to COVID-19 pressures across the services they deliver, including stepping up support for the adult social care workforce and for services helping the most vulnerable, including homeless people. This is in addition to £3.2 million in targeted funding to ensure that we minimise the risk to those currently unable to self-isolate.

We have also introduced a package of measures to protect renters affected by coronavirus. With these in force, landlords must give all renters 3 months’ notice if they intend to seek possession.

The Chancellor has also announced that for 2020/21, we will increase the Local Housing Allowance rates for Universal Credit and Housing Benefit claimants so that they are set at the 30th percentile of market rents. This will mean that many people renting in the Private Rented Sector will see an increase in their housing support from April 2020, providing extra security during these uncertain times.

The Government has made clear that no one should be without a roof over their head, and this work further demonstrates our commitment to assist the most vulnerable in society.