Following last week’s government announcement of cross-agency cooperation to tackle rough sleeping, MK Lib Dems have welcomed the news, but say more funding and more help from the immigration service is needed.
Milton Keynes Liberal Democrats have been continuously fighting to reduce rough sleeping and homelessness.
Over the last five years, after constant pressure from the Lib Dems, the Council worked to extend the Winter Night Shelter, bring in extra support services for rough sleepers and work with the health sector so that their services, including mental health and GP access, were improved.
Last year, the Council also applied for a grant to help rough sleepers whose immigration status hadn’t been resolved.
Lib Dem Councillor Jenni Ferrans, who represents Monkston Ward, said: “While the government’s news is welcome, it would be more so if they offered better co-operation from the immigration service and more funding for affordable housing.”
“Too many people become homeless due to delays in processing their immigration status and too many people are stuck in temporary accommodation because the funding for affordable accommodation simply does not meet the need.”
“The principle of “everyone in” was well on its way in Milton Keynes even before the Government announced their programme, but we need more funding and support to make it a reality for everyone.”
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