Rough Sleeping

14. What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help tackle rough sleeping.

The Prime Minister has set a clear ambition to end rough sleeping at the earliest opportunity, backed by the full support of central Government. The Government will convene an interministerial group to work to drive progress in the PM’s ambition and towards the commitments made in the national plan to end homelessness.

I recently wrote praising the determination of the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State to make tackling rough sleeping a priority, and I highlighted how the Old Eight Bells in Mansfield was turned from a derelict building into a lifeline for adults who need supported housing, bringing new activity into our town centre. Does the Minister agree that if that approach were backed in our fight to end rough sleeping, it would be a significant helping hand?

My hon. Friend raises an example of a good local initiative as we look at how we can end the scourge of rough sleeping. We have to be honest that central Government alone cannot achieve that task. We have to work with the local voluntary groups, councils, community groups and charities that are doing fantastic work across the country. I would be pleased to look at the example that my hon. Friend set out to see what lessons we can learn.

My constituency has among the highest levels of deprivation. Unfortunately, subways and bus shelters are home to the most vulnerable. I know that £440 million has been allocated, but I do not know how much has been given to Birmingham city council. Will the Minister meet me to see how we can address this issue?

It is truly shocking that we are still seeing people having to sleep in poor and worrying conditions on the streets. I am happy to look at how much funding the hon. Member’s local authority has received from the new funding. The Government have committed £442 million in new funding in the Prime Minister’s ambition to end homelessness, and I am happy to give the hon. Member additional detail on the impact that will have for his constituency.