The MP for Lancaster has praised plans for the Lancaster District to receive more than £300,000 as part of the Prime Minister's aim to end rough sleeping.
Cat Smith, MP for Lancaster and Wyre, said that "no one should have to sleep on the streets" after it was announced that the Lancaster District would receive £315,423 over a three-year period until 2029.
This is part of Andy Burnham's £442m package to tackle homelessness, announced last week.
"Homelessness can unexpectedly happen to anyone through eviction, family breakdown, substance misuse, debt or poor mental health," said Ms Smith (below).
"We have already righted one historical wrong by decriminalising rough sleeping after 200 years. It's right that we don't criminalise people for falling on hard times - and it's right now that we invest in putting a roof over people's heads.
"But there's so much further to go. We need tackle the underlying symptoms of homelessness by investing in mental health services, combating gambling, drug and alcohol addiction and debt, and building more social housing.
"But more than this, we need to restore a kinder society where we check in on those around us with empathy and compassion, and put aside our differences to recognise we all have a part to play in ending rough sleeping - whether that's giving to a foodbank, offering a brew, volunteering our time, or even stopping to chat on the street for a minute.
"We've all walked down the high street and have seen someone sat in a shop doorway - it's been normalised for years, and we 'other' them. We think to ourselves; they'd just spend money on alcohol, they're probably a criminal, maybe they prefer it, or that's the council's job - not mine. But they are us, and behind every person is a story with a struggle that any one of us could face.
"The pledge to end rough sleeping is an ambitious task, and it's right that the government must be ambitious. But we all need to pull together. The Prime Minister has announced he will host a first of its kind national summit in the Autumn to bring together leaders from across society - from business, finance, charities, health, faith communities and more - to ask what role each of them can play in ending rough sleeping.
"We all have the power to make a positive difference. This can be as simple as supporting the local foodbank by putting one extra item in the shopping basket and dropping it in the donation point by the tills, or donating to a local charity. If you see someone sleeping rough acknowledge them with a nod, smile, or say hello and ask how they are doing. Have a conversation, perhaps offer a brew or to grab them a bite from a local shop. A simple gesture shows that you see them as a human being, and you can share their location to connect them with support services via https://thestreetlink.org.uk."
The Government said that areas with the greatest need will receive the largest share of support, as they aim to get people out of the cold this winter and give people facing long-term homelessness a settled home and the support to keep it.
The Prime Minister also announced a first of its kind national summit on tackling rough sleeping to take place in the Autumn.
Andy Burnham
In July, the PM announced £340m of funding for new support to bring forward settled accommodation for people sleeping rough long-term.
Last week's announcement confirmed an additional £102m, which the government said will be used to fund a range of support to provide immediate routes off the street this winter and beyond, including uplifting the Ending Homelessness in Communities Fund.
They said the package is fully funded, from uncommitted Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government budgets.
"No-one should have to bed down in a doorway or outside a station," said Mr Burnham.
"But we’ve seen it for so long that it feels like Westminster has started to accept it.
"I won’t accept it. That’s why my first instruction as Prime Minister was to end rough sleeping. And it’s why today we’re getting started with a national drive to get everyone in for Christmas.
"We did it in the pandemic. We can do it again. But it needs all of us. Government will put the money in. But I’m asking leaders in communities and sectors across society to play their part locally too.
"Let’s get people out the cold. And let’s bring back hope.
Other political parties have criticised the plans, with Conservative shadow housing secretary Sir James Cleverly saying: "As with many of his other commitments, there is very little detail on how this one will be paid for."
Liberal Democrat housing spokesperson Gideon Amos said "sticking plasters won't fix the homelessness crisis", adding a "proper long-term plan" is needed to prevent people finding themselves "back on the streets once the festive headlines fade".
Deputy Reform UK leader Richard Tice also criticised Burnham's efforts to tackle homelessness while Greater Manchester mayor.
He described the government's new plans as "yet another vague announcement with no substances which uses our most vulnerable for political point-scoring".
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