| answer text |
<p>Tackling homelessness is a priority for this Government. We are already undertaking
a significant programme of work backed by £1.2 billion in funding, to tackle homelessness.
This includes supporting local authorities with implementing the landmark Homelessness
Reduction Act, increasing access to the private rented sector for families in temporary
accommodation and supporting London boroughs to procure more efficiently.</p><p>The
Government has targeted funding streams focused on reducing the number of households
in temporary accommodation. For example, we recently launched the £20 million Private
Rented Sector (PRS) Access Fund which funds schemes targeting families who are or
at risk of homelessness and supporting them to access and sustain PRS accommodation.</p><p>This
Government has been clear that the long term use of bed and breakfast accommodation
for families with children is both inappropriate and unlawful and we are determined
to stop this practice. Our Homelessness Advice and Support Team, drawn from local
authorities and the homelessness sector, have provided support to help local authorities
to end the placement of families in bed and breakfast accommodation for more than
6 weeks.</p><p>We are working with other government departments to assess what more
can be done to address the number of people in temporary accommodation. This work
is being overseen by the Rough Sleeping and Homelessness Ministerial Taskforce.</p><p>
</p>
|
|
