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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what estimate he has made of the resources required by local authorities to (a) identify street homeless people at high risk from covid-19 and (b) provide suitable accommodation for isolation of those people; and if he will make a statement.

The Government recognises the challenges faced by those who are homeless or sleeping rough during the Covid-19 outbreak. We are working closely with local authorities and the sector to minimise the risk for vulnerable people and those currently unable to self-isolate.

As an initial first step we have announced £3.2 million in emergency funding for local authorities to help?rough sleepers and those at risk of sleeping rough to self-isolate. This funding will assist local authorities with providing accommodation and support to vulnerable people who are at risk of, or who have been diagnosed with, Coronavirus.

Public Health England have also published guidance for those working in hostel and day centre environments.

These actions represent the?first steps to help local authorities and frontline services put emergency measures in place.?We recognise that more support will be required and are working to develop this as a matter of urgency.