Homeless: Emergency Government lockdown funding for rough sleepers is set to end

There are claims these vulnerable residents are now set to be ‘moved on’ from this accommodation and potentially back on to the streets.

In March, the Government issued a huge raft of funding to councils to help them take all rough sleepers off the streets and into hotel accommodation to self-isolate.

In Derby, this saw the city council block-book 100 rooms at the Holiday Inn Express in Pride Park for 90 days.

It also loosened the criteria which people would have to meet to be legally entitled to accommodation.

The Manchester Evening News (MEN) alleged last week that councils have now been told by central government to ‘draw a line’ under the policy of self-isolating homeless people in hotels.

In response, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) issued an extensive rebuttal claiming this was ‘inaccurate’ and ‘simply wrong’.

But a Government report, seen by the MEN, said: “MHCLG has drawn a line under ‘Everyone In’ activity and is now asking local authorities to focus on step down and move on for those who have been accommodated as a result.

“At this point in time Government is clear that whilst local authorities can continue to exercise their powers to accommodate people above and beyond statutory duty, this is no longer part of their direct guidance or funding.”

There are currently more than 100 homeless people being housed in hotels by Derbyshire councils.

Here is how the county’s councils responded:

Amber Valley

Coun Chris Emmas-Williams, Amber Valley Council leader, said: “We have ten individuals accommodated in a hotel at present, but we do anticipate an end to funding and are working with partners to seek alternative settled accommodation for the borough’s homeless.

“A withdrawal of funding would be particularly disappointing given that partners have worked so hard to deliver this solution and that it has had positive health benefits for homeless people using the accommodation.”

Chesterfield

A Chesterfield Council spokesman said: “I can confirm that a member of our team is in contact with the MHCLG about this issue, but we have not received any direct communication about the information included in the Manchester Evening News article therefore we are unable to comment at this time.

“Chesterfield Borough Council, along with its near neighbouring local authorities in the North Derbyshire Homelessness Forum, has stepped up its efforts to tackle homelessness and ensure that everyone has an offer of suitable shelter at this difficult time.

“Our homelessness support service continues to offer support where required, and can be contacted on 07870 277291 or referrals can be made via email to [email protected].”

Derbyshire Dales

A spokesman for Derbyshire Dales Council said: “The district council has assisted two single people with a stay in hotel accommodation, working in partnership with other Derbyshire councils.

“Both are receiving support from the council and an independent housing advice charity, to move into accommodation once more accommodation becomes available (as the lockdown restrictions on the letting of housing eases).

“Neither of the two people were street homeless and we will do everything we can to ensure they can access a tenancy with support.

North East Derbyshire

A spokesperson for North East Derbyshire District Council said, “ We have not yet had any official confirmation from MHCLG regarding this matter. Since the start of lockdown, the council has brought in 20 people and many have already been supported into permanent accommodation”.

“Currently we have 10 people remaining in hotels and we are working with other local authorities and our partners to develop a recovery plan to support everyone brought in during the pandemic”.

“We are also closely monitoring the progress of the new Government Task Force headed by Dame Louise Casey who has been given the task of finding ways to accommodate people placed into emergency housing during the lockdown”.

High Peak

Coun Anthony McKeown, High Peak Council leader, said: “We have not yet had any official confirmation from MHCLG regarding any changes to the level of support.

“Since the start of lockdown, the council has brought in 23 people – some of whom have already been supported into permanent accommodation.

“We currently have 16 people remaining in B&B accommodation and we are working with other local authorities and our partners to develop a recovery plan to support everyone brought in during the pandemic.

“We are also closely monitoring the progress of the new Government task force headed by Dame Louise Casey, who has been given the task of finding ways to accommodate people placed into emergency housing during the lockdown into permanent accommodation.”

Erewash Council was not able to comment and neither Chesterfield or Erewash could provide information on how many rough sleepers they were currently providing accommodation for.