Coventry councillor blasts 'Tory spin' plan to end rough sleeping

[dutchman]

Charities in Coventry had a mixed reaction to the news



Government plans to eradicate rough sleeping within the decade have been met with mixed reactions in Coventry.

Earlier this week the government outlined a plan which will see £100 million spent on tackling homelessness across the country, with a focus on prevention and mental health services.

But some have criticised the strategy after it was revealed the money had already been allocated to the cause and no new money will be made available.

Charities in Coventry say more needs to be done after damaging cuts to services in recent years.

One councillor branded the recent announcement an act of "government spin".

On Monday (August 13) the government announced ambitious plans to spend £100 million on tackling rough sleeping with an aim to completely eradicate it within a decade.

The strategy includes funds of £30 million being put towards targeted mental health funding and £50 million, to be spent over the next two years, for homes for people ready to move on from hostels or refuges.

The government says the plans involve a three-pronged approach focusing on preventing rough sleeping, intervening to help those already on the streets and assisting with recovery.

However, Communities Secretary James Brokenshire later admitted that the £100 million announced for the strategy was not 'new money', reports the Mirror.

The Tory MP admitted around half had already been committed to tackling homelessness and rough sleeping.

And he told the BBC’s Today programme the other £50 million was “reprioritisation” from within existing budgets - so will be paid for through cuts and ‘underspends’ elsewhere.

Ed Ruane, Coventry City Council cabinet member for housing and communities, was doubtful that the strategy could live up to its aims.

He told CoventryLive: "This isn't new money, it's money that's already been allocated. Call me cynical but I believe it was a great bit of spin by the government.

"Homelessness has doubled during the Conservative administration. So having doubled it they are now going to eradicate it in less than 10 years?

"The amount of funding they are announcing is tiny really."