The Mayor of London’s comments are misleading and alarmist. We took decisive action at the height of the pandemic to protect hundreds of lives by bringing nearly 15,000 of the most vulnerable into safe accommodation and we will not stop supporting those who need it the most.
Contrary to what the Mayor suggests, we are working with councils, charities and other partners - backed by over half a billion pounds this year alone - to protect vulnerable rough sleepers this winter, and provide longer term accommodation and tailored support as part of our commitment to end rough sleeping for good. This includes finalising guidance so that shelters can reopen as safely as possible.
Councils have a statutory duty to help people who are homeless, or threatened with homelessness in their area.
We have given councils in London and the Greater London Authority £605 million of emergency grant funding to deal with the immediate pressures they are facing – including to support rough sleepers – and recently announced over £43 million in funding for interim accommodation and support for the most vulnerable people in our society.