Press Release

HOMELESS LINK CALLS FOR THE HEALTH, CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND SKILLS AGENCIES TO PLAY THEIR PART IN ENDING ROUGH SLEEPING

8th April 2008

Today, Housing Minister Iain Wright announced a new commitment to reduce rough sleeping to as close to zero as possible within the next three years, supported by a new aspiration for all hostels to provide access to training and employment to support people to move permanently off the streets and on to independent lives.  The renewed ambition comes close as we approach the tenth anniversary of the Government's initial target of reducing the levels of rough sleeping by two thirds.  Significant progress has been achieved and the initial target has been exceeded in all parts of the country except London. However, in recent years rough sleeping numbers have effectively flatlined at around 500 on any night, showing there is a need for a fresh initiative.

Jenny Edwards, Chief Executive of Homeless Link, the national umbrella organisation for frontline homelessness agencies, said: "We applaud the commitment the Government is making to tackle this deep social exclusion with vigour and renewed ambition.  The Places of Change approach shows that, with the right support, people can leave rough sleeping behind forever. Over 10 years an estimated 19,000 people have left the streets in London alone. Now we need a fresh approach to prevent new people falling into rough sleeping and to join up support so people can rebuild their lives. We call on the health, criminal justice and skills agencies to play their part fully. Homeless Link will be challenging everyone to aim higher, in their strategies and services. If we get this right, within the next 4 years Britain can become the first country in the world to end rough sleeping."