Crisis responds to the GLA's Rough Sleeping Plan of Action

Today, Tuesday 20th May, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has published a plan of action to end rough sleeping in London by 2030.

Commenting on the plan, Matt Downie, Crisis Chief Executive, said: “The publication of the Mayor’s action plan is an important moment, and it has significant potential. It identifies serious problems in the homelessness system as well as ways to tackle the current crisis.

“It is welcome to see the focus on housing as a solution, as well as support that prevents people from being forced onto the streets in the first place. This will help people rebuild their lives from a secure base.

“But with over 4,000 people sleeping rough across the capital and tens of thousands stuck in temporary accommodation, the scale of the response needs to match the problem.  We would urge the Greater London Authority to make sure funding is in place to deliver long-term solutions and do everything in their power to invest in secure affordable homes at scale – including initiatives that are proven to work like Housing First.

“What’s clear is that London is not alone in needing proper support from central government. This must start with firm commitments to build 90,000 new social homes per year and making sure housing benefit covers the bottom 30% of local rents. As people across the country struggle with health, income and the cost of living, these two things would make the biggest difference to enabling people to leave homelessness behind.”