Haringey makes commitment to rough sleepers

Haringey to provide ongoing support for rough sleepers

By Simon Allin, Local Democracy Reporter

Homeless people in Haringey given shelter during the coronavirus pandemic will continue to receive support following the easing of lockdown.

Cabinet member for housing Cllr Emine Ibrahim said the council is committed to ensuring the rough sleepers it has housed will not be asked to return to the streets as the local authority takes the opportunity to tackle homelessness.

Along with several other London boroughs that have adopted the “in for good” principle – a pledge to end homelessness – Haringey will find long-term housing for rough sleepers with ongoing support and resources from central government. Homeless people were given emergency accommodation by the council at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, regardless of their local connection, immigration status, eligibility or priority need.

On June 24th, the government announced £105 million of funding to help homeless people secure tenancies in a drive to end rough sleeping for good.

It has also pledged £433 million to provide 6,000 homes for rough sleepers, with 3,300 of these becoming available in the next 12 months.

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, MP for Islington North, paid a visit to Haringey on Wednesday 15th July to see how the council is helping rough sleepers.

Mr Corbyn tweeted: “Pleasure to visit Finsbury Park Travelodge alongside (council leader) Cllr Ejiofor to see the fantastic work Haringey Council and staff there are doing.

“Haringey is supporting more than 500 homeless people and rough sleepers and has guaranteed all accommodated won’t be asked to return to streets.”

Cllr Emine Ibrahim (Labour, Noel Park) cabinet member for housing and estate renewal, said: “The use of Finsbury Travelodge as accommodation has helped Haringey support more than 500 rough sleepers and single homeless people during the COVID-19 lockdown.

“I am extremely proud of the work our staff have carried out during this difficult period. We are now moving to our next steps and I am absolutely dedicated to taking a fearless approach.

“We have to take this opportunity to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping. Haringey Council is committed to ensuring that all homeless people we have accommodated, including those with no recourse to public funds, will not be asked to return to streets. We are committed to continuing to support every homeless person we have helped during COVID-19.”

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