PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Coronavirus: Homelessness (16 March 2020)

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what support his Department is providing to (a) the homeless community to prevent the spread of covid-19 and (b) homeless shelters to set up self-isolation facilities.

Asked by:
Fleur Anderson (Labour)

The Government recognises the challenges faced by those who are homeless or sleeping rough during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Department is working closely with NHS England, Public Health England, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the sector to minimise the risk for vulnerable people and those currently unable to self-isolate.

Public Health England has published guidance for hostels or day centre providers of services for people experiencing rough sleeping.

As an initial first step the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has announced £3.2 million in emergency funding for local authorities to help rough sleepers and those at risk of sleeping rough to self-isolate. This funding will assist local authorities with providing accommodation and support to vulnerable people who are at risk of, or who have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Answered by:
Jo Churchill (Conservative)
25 March 2020