New taskforce to advise government on support for rough sleepers

A new specialist taskforce has been created to lead the next phase of the government’s support for rough sleepers during the coronavirus outbreak.

MHCLG announced the taskforce on 2 May, which will work with councils across the country on plans to ensure rough sleepers can move into long-term, safe accommodation once the immediate crisis is over. Its aim will also be to ensure that rough sleepers currently in accommodation receive the physical and mental health support they need over the coming weeks.

This taskforce will be led by Dame Louise Casey, who was appointed to lead an urgent rough sleeping review for government prior to the coronavirus crisis.

Our members are committed to ensuring people can move into, and stay in, accommodation once the crisis is over. As part of our planning for post-coronavirus recovery, we are working with our members to identify what is needed to ensure this can happen, and to prevent and end wider forms of homelessness. It is encouraging therefore to see the government’s commitment to support rough sleepers to stay in accommodation, and to provide them with sustainable move-on solutions once the crisis is over.