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12/09/2005
Number sleeping rough at record low
The number of people sleeping rough on streets in England has fallen to a record low, according to figures released today.
Housing Minister Yvette Cooper announced that the figures for 2005 revealed a 75% reduction in the number of people sleeping rough in England since 1998, from 1,850 to 459.
The Government has invested more than £200 million over the last three years to prevent and reduce homelessness, with a further £230 million being invested up to 2008. In addition, a £90 million funding pot is being used to improve hostels and the services they provide, to help rough sleepers make a permanent move away from the streets.
Introduced under the Homelessness Act 2002 new legislation sought to ensure that all local authorities adopted a strategy to tackle homelessness, including rough sleeping.
Housing Minister, Yvette Cooper, said: "We have made significant progress in addressing the worst forms of homelessness. Rough sleeping is at an all time low, and we have ended the scandal of families with children living for long periods in bed and breakfast hotels. We are also seeing the number of people becoming homeless falling significantly, showing that prevention is making a real difference to more and more people.
"But we still need to do more, especially to reduce the number of people in temporary accommodation. It's vital to get them back into settled homes and avoid getting stuck in the poverty trap. We are doing this by investing in more social housing, and homes for shared ownership as well as increased funding for prevention."
According to the figures, the target set by the Prime Minister in 1998 to reduce rough sleeping by at least two thirds by 2002 is being met.
The success of this reduction is the result of effective partnership working between local authorities, voluntary sector agencies and others.
National Statistics also published today show the number of people becoming homeless was 17% down on the same period the previous year.
(SP/MB)
Housing Minister Yvette Cooper announced that the figures for 2005 revealed a 75% reduction in the number of people sleeping rough in England since 1998, from 1,850 to 459.
The Government has invested more than £200 million over the last three years to prevent and reduce homelessness, with a further £230 million being invested up to 2008. In addition, a £90 million funding pot is being used to improve hostels and the services they provide, to help rough sleepers make a permanent move away from the streets.
Introduced under the Homelessness Act 2002 new legislation sought to ensure that all local authorities adopted a strategy to tackle homelessness, including rough sleeping.
Housing Minister, Yvette Cooper, said: "We have made significant progress in addressing the worst forms of homelessness. Rough sleeping is at an all time low, and we have ended the scandal of families with children living for long periods in bed and breakfast hotels. We are also seeing the number of people becoming homeless falling significantly, showing that prevention is making a real difference to more and more people.
"But we still need to do more, especially to reduce the number of people in temporary accommodation. It's vital to get them back into settled homes and avoid getting stuck in the poverty trap. We are doing this by investing in more social housing, and homes for shared ownership as well as increased funding for prevention."
According to the figures, the target set by the Prime Minister in 1998 to reduce rough sleeping by at least two thirds by 2002 is being met.
The success of this reduction is the result of effective partnership working between local authorities, voluntary sector agencies and others.
National Statistics also published today show the number of people becoming homeless was 17% down on the same period the previous year.
(SP/MB)
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06 November 2013
30 Projects Receive Funding To Tackle Rough Sleeping
The Housing Minister has announced the projects benefitting from the latest installment of multi-million pound Homeless Transition Fund. Projects helping rough sleepers are to benefit from a multi-million government fund to help ensure no-one spends more than a night on the streets, Kris Hopkins announced today.
30 Projects Receive Funding To Tackle Rough Sleeping
The Housing Minister has announced the projects benefitting from the latest installment of multi-million pound Homeless Transition Fund. Projects helping rough sleepers are to benefit from a multi-million government fund to help ensure no-one spends more than a night on the streets, Kris Hopkins announced today.
17 June 2003
Homelessness in England on the rise
Statistics released today revealed that the number of households in accommodation but registered as homeless has risen by nearly 6,000 in the first quarter of this year.
Homelessness in England on the rise
Statistics released today revealed that the number of households in accommodation but registered as homeless has risen by nearly 6,000 in the first quarter of this year.
27 January 2014
Police Appeal For Help Identifying Mystery man
Humberside Police have appealed to the public for help in identifying a man found sleeping rough suffering from dissociative fugue, a condition described as a "temporary loss of identity". Police say that the man has said he is called David or Tony Thorpe, with a date of birth of 5 October 1995.
Police Appeal For Help Identifying Mystery man
Humberside Police have appealed to the public for help in identifying a man found sleeping rough suffering from dissociative fugue, a condition described as a "temporary loss of identity". Police say that the man has said he is called David or Tony Thorpe, with a date of birth of 5 October 1995.
11 December 2012
Rough Sleepers Helpline Launched
Anyone looking to help rough sleepers this winter should contact a new service to get them long-term support, Housing Minister Mark Prisk said today.
Rough Sleepers Helpline Launched
Anyone looking to help rough sleepers this winter should contact a new service to get them long-term support, Housing Minister Mark Prisk said today.
08 December 2008
Carr Apologises for 'Insensitive' Matthews Remarks
Comedian Alan Carr has apologised for dedicating an award to Karen Matthews, who last week was found guilty of kidnapping her daughter Shannon. Carr, at Saturday night's British Comedy Awards, called Matthews a "gay icon", adding: "People like a bit of rough don't they?" Junior Justice Minister Shahid Malik condemned him as "sick and insensitive".
Carr Apologises for 'Insensitive' Matthews Remarks
Comedian Alan Carr has apologised for dedicating an award to Karen Matthews, who last week was found guilty of kidnapping her daughter Shannon. Carr, at Saturday night's British Comedy Awards, called Matthews a "gay icon", adding: "People like a bit of rough don't they?" Junior Justice Minister Shahid Malik condemned him as "sick and insensitive".
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
