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<p>Every death of someone sleeping rough on our streets is a tragedy, and the Government
is committed to ending rough sleeping. This is why we are spending over £700 million
on homelessness and rough sleeping this year alone.</p><p>We know that many individuals
experiencing homelessness have substance misuse and mental health support needs. MHCLG
is working closely with DHSC and PHE to ensure rough sleepers have the health care
they need, when they need it.</p><p>On 14 December, we announced £23 million of Government
funding to provide substance misuse treatment and recovery services for people sleeping
rough or at risk, backed by an additional investment of £52 million in 2021/22. This
funding will provide evidence-based drug and alcohol treatment, such as detox and
rehab services and will be vital to enabling people to access the specialist support
required to rebuild their lives and move towards longer term accommodation. Additionally,
DHSC is delivering £30 million of funding for mental health services for people experiencing
rough sleeping up until 2023/24, as committed to in the NHS Long Term Plan and MHCLG’s
Rough Sleeping Strategy.</p><p>This year has presented increased challenges and we
have met these by taking quick and unprecedented action to protect rough sleepers
throughout the pandemic. Our rapid response protected many vulnerable people from
the risk of COVID-19 and ultimately will have saved lives. According to research by
UCL and published in the Lancet, preventative measures taken by the Government may
have avoided 21,092 infections, 266 deaths, 1,164 hospital admissions and 338 intensive
care (ICU) admissions of homeless people.</p><p>We continue to work closely with the
homelessness sector, local authorities and health and care partners, to ensure the
needs of those experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping can be met.</p>
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