Safety measures in the pandemic 'helped solve homelessness' in the East Midlands
The final module of the Covid Inquiry is looking at how lockdowns impacted those sleeping rough
A Nottinghamshire charity has told us safety measures used in the pandemic would solve homelessness if they were brought in now.
It comes as the final module of the Covid Inquiry is looking at how the lockdown impacted rough sleepers.
'Rough sleeping is rising...'
Claire Eden, from Framework in Nottingham, said the 'Everyone In' policy 'eradicated homelessness' in the East Midlands during the pandemic.
The policy urged local authorities to get everyone sleeping rough into accommodation to protect themselves and others from the virus.
Claire said it was an approach that had never been seen before: "There were no people sleeping on the streets, which is unheard of. Rough sleeping is rising across the country and the numbers are greater than ever."
The Covid Inquiry...
The 10th module of the Covid Inquiry is underway and set to last for the next three weeks.
It will consider the impact the pandemic had on the homeless, the most vulnerable and the impact on mental health and wellbeing.
Claire said she hoped the inquiry would look at what worked well, and consider implementing similar policies again: "I hope they see what is possible and think about solutions.
'Eradicate rough sleeping'
"The 'Everyone In' policy was a huge change in approach. It proves that, with the right effort, you can eradicate rough sleeping.
"There will have to be more accommodation made available to make it work though. Without the housing, there's nowhere to put people," she said.
The government has promised to improve temporary accommodation, backed by £930 million in funding as part of it's Plan to End Homelessness.