Government publishes new Rough Sleeping Strategy

Government has published its long awaited strategy to drive forward its manifesto commitment to end rough sleeping.

The cross-government strategy is backed by £2 billion, which includes up to £500 million over three years for the Rough Sleeping Initiative and a new £200 million Single Homelessness Accommodation Program. The government is also expanding its Rough Sleeping Drug and Alcohol Treatment Grant program which provides funding for substance misuse treatment services for people sleeping rough or at risk of sleeping rough.

Gavin Smart, CEO of Chartered Institute of Housing, said:

“We’re really pleased to see the Government commit to tackling the tragedy that is rough sleeping and homelessness, putting financial support into both cause and effect.

To truly tackle homelessness, however, we need to also address the wider issues that drive homelessness, starting with building more affordable housing and reforming the welfare system.”

For more information, see CIH’s submission to the All Party Parliamentary Group on ending rough sleeping (May 2022).