The Government welcomes the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee report (pdf) that was published on 20 May 2020 following their inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) on homelessness and the private rented sector.
COVID-19 is first and foremost a public health emergency, and as such requires a public health response. The Government has, and continues to, work with local authorities to support rough sleepers away from the streets and provide them with an offer of accommodation.
The Government agrees that for many rough sleepers a housing-led solution with provision for wrap-around support is required. They are committed to ensure that as many people as possible who have been brought in off the streets in this pandemic do not return to sleeping rough. The Government continues to engage with the Local Government Association, the National Housing Federation and other stakeholders as they look to support rough sleepers beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.