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

To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they are making in amending the criteria against which people rough sleeping are counted so that women are more accurately counted, and so that more appropriate provision can then be made for them.

Homelessness levels are far too high. This can have a devastating impact on those affected. We must address this and deliver long term solutions. We recognise that women sleeping on the streets have different experiences and needs to men, particularly relating to experience of violence and abuse, and that services may need to be delivered differently to meet the needs of women.

MHCLG encourages local authorities to consider taking part in the Women’s Rough Sleeping Census, led by Solace and Single Homeless Project. The Census collects data on women experiencing rough sleeping or insecure housing and encourages closer collaboration between local support agencies so that more women can be supported into safe accommodation.

The Government will look at these issues carefully as part of our wider work to develop a new cross-government strategy, working with mayors and councils across the country to get us on back on track to ending homelessness.