Thousands of homeless people who were housed during the coronavirus pandemic may be forced back onto the streets by the end of June, according to the charity Crisis. Since lockdown began, over 14,500 rough sleepers and those at risk of sleeping rough were given emergency accommodation under the government's 'Everyone In' scheme.
However, Crisis warns that contracts between local councils and hotels are due to expire as government funding runs out. Councils have asked for clarity on additional support, while the government insists they must continue providing accommodation.
Matt Downie, director of policy at Crisis, said there have been 'no indications' of further funding to extend the scheme. He warned of two possible outcomes: either 15,000 people are permanently helped out of homelessness, or there will be a massive increase in rough sleeping.
Crisis estimates it would cost £282 million to provide permanent housing and support for these individuals over the next 12 months. The charity is calling for an emergency homelessness bill requiring councils to offer accommodation for a year to anyone made homeless during the pandemic.
A government spokesman said suggestions of rowing back on commitments were untrue, highlighting a new rough sleeping taskforce and £433 million to provide 6,000 new housing units, with 3,300 available within 12 months. The Welsh and Scottish governments have also announced additional funding for homeless support.
