Can the new Government end rough sleeping in five years?

The challenge is significant, Shelter have highlighted the scale of the problem.

The statistics show a 27 per cent increase in rough sleeping, 145,900 children are homeless and living in temporary supported accommodation and unwanted private rental moves in England are costing £550m per year.

The statistics only paint part of the picture. A home, a safe home, an appropriately sized home, an affordable rent, a warm home, a well-maintained home is key. How can we expect children to thrive in poor, temporary housing, and adults to live well when it is cold, cramped or expensive? For me, housing is a fundamental human right. 

The United Nations states “Housing is the basis of stability and security for an individual or family. The centre of our social, emotional and sometimes economic lives, a home should be a sanctuary – a place to live in peace, security and dignity.” 

The new Government has made a number of pledges – 1.5 million new homes by 2029. I cannot argue with the ambition. But the question is how they will achieve this ambition. The Chancellor has stated that there will be plans for planning reform, restore mandatory housing targets and introduce ministerial intervention into stalled planning applications. These plans will need to be significant in order that the 1.5m new homes are built. 

I hope that the Government is able to deliver on these housing targets. Whilst we wait for the new homes to be built, charities like Alabaré will continue to support the homeless, those in temporary accommodation and those at risk of homelessness.

The other day a colleague was telling me how someone had approached her, many years after being supported by Alabaré. The person had been addicted to drugs, his long-standing relationship had ended and he had become homeless. Several weeks of being a rough sleeper were described as grim and resulted in poor mental health. From the occasional visit to the drop-in centre for the homeless, he gained the confidence to ask for the specialist support he needed. Several months followed, which saw progress and setbacks. Through his own courage and determination, with support from the Alabaré staff, he was able to stop using drugs and secure accommodation. Many years on he was grateful for the support received and he has been able to sustain his accommodation. 

I hope over the next 5 years that rough sleeping is ended and for the almost 150,000 children in temporary accommodation they will have a safe place to call home. 

  Andrew Lord, MBE Chief Executive Alabaré