No one will have missed the sight this winter of people sleeping rough in the Town Centre, or not read of the significant numbers of local households currently stuck in temporary accommodation. Particularly over the Christmas period, we think of the plight of people in this situation.
I can remember back to a time, not all that long ago, when we simply didn’t have a homelessness problem or rough sleepers on the streets anywhere near the level we have now. The main reason was that the Blair and Brown Labour governments drastically reduced rough sleeping, and the economy was good enough that people could afford the housing market. All unravelled, sadly, after 14 years of Tory rule, incompetence and neglect. And that historic work in itself had been done to address the rising levels and visibility of homelessness back in the John Major era. As a young person growing up at the time, I can still remember that – it was a stain on our society then, and regrettably it is again now.
It is therefore a matter of principle that this week I have pledged to work with ministers in the battle to at least halve rough sleeping by the end of the Parliament – as the Labour Government unveils its bold new strategy to end homelessness – including ending the use of B&Bs for families and preventing more households from becoming homeless in the first place.
It will be underpinned by a boost to the supply of good-quality temporary homes, and £3.5 billion – a £1 billion funding boost over and above previous commitments – to support rough sleeping and support services.
Homelessness is one of the most profound challenges we face as a society. Families deserve stability, children need a safe place to grow, and individuals simply want the dignity of a home.
I am glad that this Labour Government and our Labour council are united in this fight. No family should be forced long-term into temporary accommodation, no one should be forced to live on the streets.
Here in Crawley we are already work proactively with families to intervene early and reduce parental evictions. We also operate rent support schemes and negotiate with landlords to retain tenancies where they are at risk.
Reducing stays in temporary accommodation – we aim to find the most appropriate long-term housing solutions for families, including the Crawley Deposit Scheme. The Council has committed to a 540-home council housing programme. And through our Housing First programme, we work with partners to reduce entrenched rough sleeping in the town by providing tailored support and stable accommodation.
It was never going to be easy to put right the mess this country was in. Homelessness doubled under the Conservatives, but Labour is fighting back and changing this country for the better. Change will take time, but change has begun.
Cllr Michael Jones
Leader, Crawley Borough Council