Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what steps he is taking to tackle the impact of rough sleeping on (a) women, (b) LGBTQ+ individuals, (c) people with complex needs and (d) other marginalized and vulnerable groups.

Our Ending Rough Sleeping for Good strategy is clear that we need a tailored and person-centred approach to support the varying needs of those sleeping rough. That is why our funding allows local authorities the freedom to design the services and support required in their local areas, including bespoke support to specific vulnerable groups such as women, LGBT individuals, people with complex needs or young people where this is needed. Our Rough Sleeping Initiative, which is supported by over £547 million, funds a range of local schemes around the country including women’s only services, bespoke support for young people, and Housing First projects for people with complex needs.

We are also investing £200 million through the Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP) and £433 million through the Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme (RSAP) to deliver homes and support services for people sleeping rough or at risk of sleeping rough. SHAP includes a focus on young people and people with complex needs.

The Government remains focused on eradicating rough sleeping for good and we continue to work closely with local government, charities, and the private sector to support this ambition.