Sunderland MP Bridget Phillipson backs plan to get 'everyone in' by Christmas
A Sunderland MP has backed a national drive to get rough sleepers off the streets this winter and “get everyone in for Christmas”.
A Sunderland MP has backed a national drive to get rough sleepers off the streets this winter and “get everyone in for Christmas”.
Bridget Phillipson, Labour MP for Houghton and Sunderland South, welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s latest steps to “end rough sleeping”, backed by an increased £442 million funding package.
Nearly £7 million is earmarked for the North East Combined Authority (NECA) in coming years, with the initiative funding new accommodation and support across the country and building on approaches used during the pandemic.
Alongside emergency accommodation, the government-funded programme will offer practical help with housing, health and other needs, helping people build a more stable future.
The aim is to offer everyone who needs it a route off the streets by Christmas and to provide a foundation to rebuild their lives.
Ms Phillipson said the announcement showed the Labour Government was “delivering on our promise to end rough sleeping”.
She added: “This investment will help people across our city get out of the cold and into secure homes with the support they need to rebuild their lives.
“I am proud that this government is taking the necessary steps to end rough sleeping at the earliest opportunity.”
The Government has confirmed project allocations for the programme, which include investment into long-term accommodation announced earlier this year, and areas facing the greatest pressures will receive the largest share.
Mayors, working alongside councils, are also expected to play a leading role in driving local action on the issue.
The PM has also announced a national summit on tackling rough sleeping this autumn which will bring together leaders from business, finance, charities, health and faith communities to discuss the issue.
He said: “No one should have to bed down in a doorway or outside a station. But we’ve seen it for so long that it feels like Westminster has started to accept it.
“I won’t accept it. And it’s why we’re getting started with a national drive to get everyone in for Christmas.
“We did it in the pandemic. We can do it again. But it needs all of us. Government will put the money in, but I’m asking leaders in communities and sectors across society to play their part locally too.”