£3.2 million emergency support for rough sleepers during coronavirus outbreak

Rough sleepers, or those at risk of rough sleeping will be supported by £3.2 million of initial emergency funding if they need to self-isolate to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The funding will be available to all local authorities in England and will reimburse them for the cost of providing accommodation and services to those sleeping on the streets to help them successfully self-isolate.

This initial emergency response funding will ensure swift support is offered to people who are unable to self-isolate, such as those staying in night shelters or assessment hubs, as well as people who are currently sleeping rough.

Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: “Public safety and protecting the most vulnerable people in society from coronavirus is this government’s top priority. We are working closely with councils and charities to ensure they have the support they need throughout this period.

“The initial funding that I’ve announced will ensure councils are able to put emergency measures in place to help some of the most vulnerable people in our society to successfully self-isolate.

“I would urge anyone who is concerned about someone sleeping rough to use the government’s StreetLink app to alert local support services who can reach out to those in need at this difficult time.”

Responding to the Government’s announcement that councils will receive £3.2 million to support rough sleepers self-isolate, Councillor Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “Council staff continue to work day-and-night to support national efforts to minimise the spread of the coronavirus and protect and support communities, including our most vulnerable.

“We are pleased that the Government has announced that councils will receive emergency funding to support rough sleepers to self-isolate, as part of a wider package of support, and we look forward to working with the Government on the detail to ensure councils costs are fully covered.

“Public health, housing and social care teams will continue to work together to identify local solutions for rough sleepers most at risk, but homelessness services remain under huge pressure as a result of rising demand driven by a historic shortage of social housing.”

Public Health England (PHE) has also released guidance for providers of hostels and day centres on how to handle suspected cases of coronavirus to assist staff and visitors in dealing with the impact of the virus.

The guidance outlines:

• what centres and hostels should do if they have had a confirmed case
• use of shared spaces – such as kitchens and bathrooms – where individuals who live with others are required to self-isolate
• what to do if anyone becomes unwell on site with the symptoms
• special considerations for residents and users, who are drug or alcohol users and may be more vulnerable to the effects of the virus
• guidance on cleaning and disinfection and rubbish disposal

Dr Yvonne Doyle, Medical Director at Public Health England said: “People sleeping rough are often in poor health and are particularly vulnerable. That’s why this funding is so important, ensuring that rough sleepers who get symptoms have somewhere safe and protective to stay, and helping to prevent the spread of the infection.”

The announcement follows a raft of measures being introduced by the government to tackle the effects of the virus:

• a COVID-19 Response fund, initially set at £5 billion
• a new £500 million Hardship Fund so local authorities can support economically vulnerable people and households

Engagement with councils is also ramping up as part of work to ensure that local government is fully prepared:

• a new taskforce to strengthen local resilience plans to help tackle the outbreak of coronavirus
• Communities Secretary chaired teleconferences for mayors, local leaders and chief executives to update on the latest guidance and best practice
• continued regular engagement with all 38 of England’s Local Resilience Forum chairs

As well as continuing to work closely with councils, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government will also continue to work with PHE and the Department of Health and Social Care to monitor the situation closely and to ensure that the most vulnerable people in our society continue to get the support they need throughout this period.

Rochdale Borough Council has been contacted for comment.

Further information

Find the latest PHE guidance on social distancing here:

• www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults

HM Treasury has published a factsheet on measures announced at the Budget to support those affected by Covid-19:

• www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-for-those-affected-by-covid-19

The public can also do their part to help vulnerable rough sleepers by creating an alert on StreetLink. This tool, part-funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, will share this information with local support services who can reach out to those in need.

StreetLink can be accessed via the app or online: 

• www.streetlink.org.uk

StreetLink is not an emergency service, if you think the person you are concerned about is in immediate danger or needs urgent care, please call 999