Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: “Today’s announcement represents a clear statement that in the 21st century, we will not tolerate a situation where people are having to bed down on our streets. It puts us on the path to an historic milestone: the end of rough sleeping in England.

“Being forced to sleep rough puts people at increased risk of serious illness, violence, and abuse. The average age of death for people experiencing homelessness is 45 for men and 43 for women. So getting people off the streets and onto the path to a settled, secure home will save lives. 

“In the long-term, rough sleeping can only be solved with the provision of safe, affordable homes, so we really welcome the funding to provide more settled homes.

“Where access to a home isn't possible straight away, providing good quality accommodation with a clear plan to support people into settled housing is a vital first step. We stand ready to help the Prime Minister in delivering this vital intervention ahead of Christmas, starting with this Autumn’s summit that will bring together civil society, businesses and faith leaders to help deliver on the Government’s vision of a country without rough sleeping.”