Written question asked by Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Conservative) on Tuesday, 12 February 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 26 February 2002. It was answered by Sally Keeble (Labour) on Tuesday, 26 February 2002 on behalf of the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions.

Dept for Transport Local Government and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, what time of day on average rough sleeping head counts supervised by the Rough Sleepers Unit took place during the last year. - Including ref to Evaluating the Extent of Rough Sleeping.

Answer: Mr. Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what time of day on average rough sleeping head counts supervised by the Rough Sleepers Unit took place during the last year. [36986] Ms Keeble: The DTLR's guidance "Evaluating the Extent of Rough Sleeping" states that rough sleeper counts should take place on a single night and should take place between midnight and 6am. The guidance contains the methodology for carrying out a count of rough sleepers. This methodology was developed by voluntary sector agencies including Shelter in the early 1990s and has been tested and developed through independent research. The methodology has remained unchanged and has been used nationally for over five years. Rough sleeping counts are arranged and supervised by staff from voluntary agencies and local authorities. Members of the Rough Sleepers Unit assist local authority and voluntary agencies in a voluntary capacity in carrying out street counts.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 36986; 380 c1165W;380 c1167W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Homelessness Statistics Standards Sleeping rough Rough Sleepers Unit
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk