PM’s £4m ‘quick fix’ plan to get Lincolnshire rough sleepers indoors

Andy Burnham has pledged to get a roof over the head of everyone who wants it by the festive period, mirroring the ‘Everyone In’ approach during the pandemic.

The Greater Lincolnshire Mayoral authority has been awarded nearly £4million to secure emergency accommodation.

A total of 64 different rough sleepers were identified on the streets by the City of Lincoln Council alone between April and July this year.

The organisers of Let Them Eat Cake, a non-profit group which feeds the hungry on Lincoln’s streets every week, said this money should only be the start.

“If it works, it will be absolutely amazing. Hopefully there’s no one at all on the streets of Lincoln by Christmas,” Marion Foster told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

“The issue is that rough sleepers don’t want to be told what to do, particularly if they’re using drugs.

“If they’re in B&Bs, it won’t be sorting a problem, it will be creating problems. That would be a short-term solution.

“Ideally there would be somewhere with rooms, counsellors and rehab all together. Imagine if they refurbished the old police station on West Parade.

“The numbers of people we’ve seen in Lincoln have increased crazily. Some nights you think you’re making progress and there’s only ten – then last week there were 24.

“We only just had enough meals. There’s no rhyme or reason to how numbers go up and down.

“Three new rough sleepers were referred to me for sleeping bags and tents this week alone.

“I really hope Andy Burnham’s plan works – if not, we’ll be here anyway.”

The charity Framework, which supports Lincolnshire people who are homeless or at risk of it, said there needed to be more than short-term investment.

Dave Newmarch, director of property and housing services, said: “The £4 million announced for Lincolnshire reflects both the scale of the challenge and the commitment needed to reduce rough sleeping across a large and diverse county.

“It can help people facing some of the most significant barriers to housing get the support they need this winter.

“Putting a roof over people’s heads is an important first step. But without ongoing support, many people remain at risk of becoming homeless again.

“Supported housing is that next step. It helps people address poor health, trauma and social disadvantage and settle in a safe home.

“This funding is an opportunity to build on that work, but lasting success depends on more than short-term investment.

“We are glad to see that some of the national funding is being allocated to long-term solutions.

“However, Lincolnshire based councils are still debating whether to continue funding the 195 supported housing placements already in existence.

“Those who are homeless need a reliable route to recovery and independence, not just a quick fix.”