§ Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what action is being taken to reduce the levels of street homelessness in major cities. [341]
§ Ms KeebleThe Prime Minister set the tough target of reducing the number of people sleeping rough in England to as near to zero as possible and by at least two thirds by 2002.
In 1998, there were approximately 1,850 people rough sleeping in England. In June 2000, published figures indicated that approximately 1,180 people were sleeping rough, (546 in London and 634 outside of London). This 102W represents a 36 per cent. reduction. The unit will publish updated figures in due course in relation to counts carried out this year.
"Coming in from the Cold". the Government's strategy on tackling rough sleeping, outlined a raft of new policies and services to deliver the target which are now all in place in all major cities.
These include helping people sleeping rough on the streets with drug, alcohol and mental health problems; helping former rough sleepers rebuild their lives through education, training and employment; and preventing a new generation of rough sleepers particularly those leaving care, the armed forces and prison.