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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the efficacy of Housing First programmes piloted in England and whether she will support their national roll out.

The Housing First Pilots evaluation found that a year after entering Housing First, the majority of clients were living in long-term largely social rented accommodation. 84% were living in long-term accommodation at the point of the six-month interview and this rose to 92% after a year. This shows that, done well, this type of accommodation can be effective at resolving and preventing rough sleeping.

As part of the new Rough Sleeping Programme, local authorities and Mayoral Strategic authorities should deliver housing with wraparound support that is suitable for people who have experienced long-term rough sleeping and may experience multiple disadvantage. Local areas will have the flexibility to design both the support and accommodation delivered. This may include, but is not limited to, a Housing First approach, which evidence has shown can transform the lives of people with complex needs.