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Written question asked by Baroness Royall of Blaisdon (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 January 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 5 February 2025. It was answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Labour) on Wednesday, 5 February 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Sleeping Rough: Women

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they are making in amending the criteria against which people rough sleeping are counted so that women are more accurately counted, and so that more appropriate provision can then be made for them.

Answer

Homelessness levels are far too high. This can have a devastating impact on those affected. We must address this and deliver long term solutions. We recognise that women sleeping on the streets have different experiences and needs to men, particularly relating to experience of violence and abuse, and that services may need to be delivered differently to meet the needs of women.

MHCLG encourages local authorities to consider taking part in the Women’s Rough Sleeping Census, led by Solace and Single Homeless Project. The Census collects data on women experiencing rough sleeping or insecure housing and encourages closer collaboration between local support agencies so that more women can be supported into safe accommodation.

The Government will look at these issues carefully as part of our wider work to develop a new cross-government strategy, working with mayors and councils across the country to get us on back on track to ending homelessness.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL4327
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Women Sleeping rough
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk