STOP PRESS: A massive opportunity...

Two major announcements from the government present a massive opportunity to tackle the housing emergency.

First, The 200-year-old Vagrancy Act which criminalises rough sleeping will finally be scrapped.

We’ve campaigned for this change, not least because the law effectively punishes and stigmatises people as they simply try to survive the worst times in their lives. The threat of arrest and fines and imprisonment also drives many people away from seeking support.

Find out more here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czdyz848j0no

Next, in the government’s spending review, £39bn has been allocated for affordable housing, a 65% increase in year-to-year spending in this budget.

James Boultbee, our CEO said: 

"Previous governments have said they will repeal the outdated and cruel Vagrancy Act and accelerate house-building, both vital moves to tackle the homelessness crisis.

"We welcome these fresh commitments and will continue our work to prevent homelessness from happening in the first place. Everyone has the right to a safe home, to be treated with dignity and decent, affordable housing is a basic human need."

You can read more here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c331xnrn3dzo