Charity welcomes ambitious plans to tackle rough sleeper crisis
It's estimated that almost 400,000 people are spending this winter sleeping on the streets
A charity supporting rough sleepers says it's pleased with many of the commitments in the Government's homelessness strategy.
The long-awaited document from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) sets out it's plan to halve long-term rough sleeping by 2029.
The strategy declares the Government's intention to prevent rough sleeping before it happens, stating this is "the best way to end homelessness".
Rough sleeping is a growing crisis in the UK, with a record of almost 400,000 people spending this winter on the streets.
It's a statement Alabaré says it completely agrees with - although the organisation understands the need for policies being in place to ensure support is long-term.
The strategy is pledging £3.5 billion of funding to back services like Alabaré who support people sleeping rough.
Alabaré CEO, Andrew Lord, welcomed the strategy's publishing, saying: "We are pleased that there’s a clear focus on preventing rough sleeping and aims to break the cycle of homelessness before it begins."
Mr Lord stresses the importance of the funding being directed towards front line services. He said: "They are the first point of contact in ensuring support is there to break the cycle of homelessness for the long-term."
He added that the Wiltshire-based charity, which works across the South West and Wales, is "keen to explore opportunities to work alongside the Government" in a bid to shape the frontline services people use when most in need.
The MHCLG has reiterated its target to build 1.5 million new social and affordable homes, as well as the Renters' Rights Bill coming into effect from May 2026 and the Vagrancy Act, which makes homelessness illegal, being repealed.
Alabaré believes it is well placed to help fight homelessness through its services, with Government plans set to inject funding into support they provide, including £124 million pounds for supported housing and £185 million to continue the Government’s Rough Sleeping Drug and Alcohol Treatment programme, to aid people battling addiction.
It will also remove the 'local connections' test for veterans, to allow them to access social housing.