§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 9 July 2001,Official Report,column 1408W, concerning rough sleepers, how many rough sleepers are aged (a)under 16, (b)16 to 25, (c) 26 to 35, (d)36 to 45, (e)46 to 55, (f) 56 to 65, (g)66 to 75 and (h)over 75 years. [4182]
§ Ms Keeble"Coming in from the Cold", the Government's strategy on tackling rough sleeping, has delivered a raft of policies and services that are preventing vulnerable people coming on to the streets and rebuilding the lives of former rough sleepers.
The RSU has introduced a range of services in London to help vulnerable rough sleepers off the streets. A recent analysis of rough sleeper ages recorded by London Contact and Assessment Teams from 1 December 2000 to 31 March 2001 showed that around 40 per cent. of rough sleepers were aged between 26 and 35, with roughly 20 per cent. aged between 16 and 25, and 36 and 45. Around 10 per cent. were aged between 46 and 55 and roughly 10 per cent. were aged over 56 years of age, of which a very small percentage were between 66 and 75 and over 75. Contact and Assessment Teams found no rough sleepers under 16 during the period.
A similar picture showing the greatest proportion of rough sleeping in the 26-35 age band is also found in other areas of the country.