Thousands of ‘housing units’ to be created to provide homeless with accommodation

Government says it will spend £160 million getting long-term rough sleepers off streets over next 12 months, writes Colin Drury

Homeless in London (Reuters)

Plans to provide thousands of long-term homes for vulnerable rough sleepers who have been taken off the streets during the coronavirus crisis have been unveiled.

Some 3,300 housing units will be made available in the next 12 months, said Robert Jenrick, the housing, communities and local government secretary.

Once in these new homes, he added, people would be supported by specialist staff in accessing specialist services – such as for mental health or addiction issues – while also being helped towards training and work schemes.