DCN responds to Protect and Vaccinate announcement
Responding to an announcement of £28 million of Government funding to vaccinate rough sleepers as part of the Protect and Vaccinate scheme, a District Councils Network spokesperson said:
“Over the course of the pandemic, DCN councils have worked hard to protect rough sleepers in our local communities, providing them with emergency accommodation via the Everyone In initiative and other long-term support to keep them off the streets.
“As cases rise this winter due to the impact of the Omicron variant, it is important that those experiencing homelessness continue to be well supported and protected against COVID-19. That’s the priority right now. This funding is an important way to do that and our councils look forward to working with local partners to ensure as many rough sleepers as possible receive a booster vaccination.
“However, councils have seen the number of people needing homelessness support growing over the last few months. A recent DCN survey has revealed that 70% of councils have seen an increase in need for temporary accommodation over the summer, and most depressingly, 40% were reporting rough sleeping increases since the spring of 2021.
“Looking ahead, we need to urgently tackle this rise in homelessness by providing the right financial support for tenants in private rented housing, and by increasing funding for district councils in the final Local Government Finance Settlement so that we can provide a preventative safety net for those in need.”
Date: 20th December 2021
Contact: DCN Media Office, 020 7664 3333
