MPs launch inquiry into rough sleeping

A cross-party committee of MPs has launched an inquiry into rough sleeping.

The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee will look at the causes of people sleeping rough and why numbers of rough sleepers are on the rise along with potential solutions.

It will look at previous approaches taken by the government and local authorities to tackle rough sleeping and at the effectiveness of initiatives such as the ‘Housing First’ strategy.

Official figures show there were 3,898 people sleeping rough in England on a single night in autumn 2023, up from 3,069 in autumn 2022 and 1,768 in 2010.

The inquiry will on Tuesday hear from witnesses including Lord John Bird, the founder to the big issue, charities and local authorities.

Florence Eshalomi, chair of committee said: “There are currently shocking levels of rough sleeping on our streets and very real concerns that worse is to come this winter.

“In our rough-sleeping evidence session next week, and in our follow up questions to the minister next year, we want to explore the barriers experienced by those sleeping rough when trying to access the support they need to help them off the streets. We also want to examine potential solutions and the most effective ways to tackle rough sleeping.”

Eshalomi succeeded long-serving Clive Betts as chair of the committee in September.