PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE
Rough Sleeping: Erith and Thamesmead - 7 September 2026 (Commons/Commons Chamber)
Debate Detail
Contributions from Ms Abena Oppong-Asare, are highlighted with a yellow border.
Ms Abena Oppong-Asare
Erith and Thamesmead
Florence Eshalomi
The Minister for Homelessness, Democracy, Communities and Faith
Encouraging progress has been made against national homelessness and rough sleeping targets in the Erith and Thamesmead constituency. In particular, the number of families in B&Bs for more than six weeks in Greenwich has decreased by 96% year-on-year, from 100 households to four—congratulations. More than £168 million in new funding was announced for London last month in the rough sleeping programme. That funding will be used across key areas to tackle rough sleeping in the winter and beyond, including the Erith and Thamesmead constituency.
15:14:47
Ms Oppong-Asare
Women who are experiencing rough sleeping are often hidden from official figures. Will the Minister ensure that there is a specific focus on that during the forthcoming homelessness summit, and will she ensure that new guidance is backed by the resources that councils need in order to provide safe, trauma-informed support?
15:14:47
Florence Eshalomi
I thank my hon. Friend for making that important point. We have made it clear that authorities in all areas should look at providing accessible support for women, including specialist support, where needed. Our ending rough sleeping programme will require a whole-society approach. This autumn, the Prime Minister will bring together a diverse range of leaders from businesses, finance, charities, faith, health communities and many more areas to consider a range of options to meet the needs of different people and, most importantly, the needs of women.
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