Written question asked by Tim Loughton (Conservative) on Wednesday, 20 November 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 25 November 2002. It was answered by Barbara Roche (Labour) on Monday, 25 November 2002 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what methodology is used to count the number of rough sleepers; and what plans he has to change this.

Answer: Tim Loughton: To 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. Roche: Guidance 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.

Secondary information