Responding to reports that the Government will no longer fund local councils to house homeless people during the Covid-19 pandemic, Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran said: “The Coronavirus crisis is an unprecedented threat. It is leaving the most vulnerable in our communities at risk and it is our duty to look after them.
“It would be irresponsible for the Government to pull emergency funding for local authorities to accommodate rough sleepers, particularly as many have underlying health conditions that make them susceptible to Coronavirus.
“The compassionate approach, especially when hotels remain in need of custom, would be to continue the scheme and ensure no one is left out in the cold.
“Ministers must also make specialist support available to those who struggle with addiction or other mental health issues, as is the case for so many people sleeping rough right across the UK.”