§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister when his Department next plans to undertake a street count of those living rough in(a) London and (b) West Sussex. [83274]
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§ Mrs. RocheLocal authorities are responsible for homelessness in their areas and as such also take responsibility for the co-ordination and timing of street counts. It is the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister policy that areas where more than ten people are sleeping rough conduct a count at least every twelve months. This would apply to any local authority areas in West Sussex or London.
§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what methodology is used to count the number of rough sleepers; and what plans he has to change this. [83276]
§ Mrs. RocheGuidance was first published in 1996 on counting methodology developed in partnership with charities and voluntary organisations helping people sleeping rough. Independent evaluation has confirmed that the methodology remains the most robust method for measuring relative levels of rough sleeping and of change over time.
Local authorities are responsible for ensuring that the counts are undertaken and that the methodology is followed. The snapshot counts should take place on a single night, between 12 am and 6 am. The definition of people who should be included in rough sleeper counts is clearly set out in the guidance. It is: people sleeping, or bedded down, in the open air (such as on the streets, or in doorways, parks or bus shelters); people in buildings or other places not designed for habitation (such as barns, sheds, car parks, cars, derelict boats, stations or bashes).
There are no current plans to change this methodology. Changing the methodology could reduce the value of counts in measuring change.