§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what action he is taking to reduce the number of rough sleepers over the winter. [136439]
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§ Yvette CooperThe Homelessness Directorate within the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister brings together the work of the former Rough Sleepers Unit, the Bed and Breakfast Unit and a team to ensure the effective implementation of the Homelessness Act 2002 and assist local authorities in the development of strategies to tackle homelessness.
The Directorate continues to work closely with local authorities and voluntary sectors to reduce the number of rough sleepers throughout the year.
As of June 2003, local authority statistics show that 504 people were sleeping rough on any single night. This figure sustained my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's target to reduce rough sleeping by at least two-thirds from a baseline figure of 1,850 in June 1998 and is the lowest recorded level.
To ensure the two thirds reduction is sustained, key local authorities have been asked to draw up strategies for their areas for the period up to 31 March 2004 in consultation with local voluntary agencies and other partner organisations.