London Councils has welcomed the publication yesterday (Tuesday 27 July) of the  interim report of the Kerslake Commission on Homelessness and Rough Sleeping.

The report calls on the government to continue the principles and funding of the ‘Everyone In’ initiative, which saw thousands of rough sleepers quickly brought into emergency accommodation in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Following the launch of ‘Everyone In’ last year, around 5,000 former rough sleepers in London are now in settled accommodation. A further 2,400 people remain in short-term emergency accommodation such as hostels. Hundreds more are still on the streets of the capital.

London Councils’ Executive Member for Housing & Planning, Cllr Darren Rodwell, is a member of the Kerslake Commission.

Following yesterday's report, he said: “There can be no doubt that ‘Everyone In’ was a gamechanger and a major success. The government not only provided a clear directive but also invested crucial extra funding into homelessness services and worked effectively in partnership with local councils, the voluntary sector, and others. Thousands of rough sleepers were brought off London’s streets in an impressively short timeframe, which undoubtedly saved lives.

“London boroughs want this work to continue and to do everything we can to help end rough sleeping altogether. The government shouldn’t lose sight of what made ‘Everyone In’ a success. We need longer-term commitments – especially in terms of funding for local services. Giving councils sufficient resources is essential for reducing rough sleeping on a permanent basis.”

Innovative schemes to boost High Streets across the capital are set to be given a boost with seed funding of £20,000 each. The funding from the Mayor of London forms part of the response to the ‘High Streets for All’ mission - one of nine missions approved by the London Recovery Board in September 2020 to respond to the challenge of building back London’s economy and society, with the Mayor working alongside working alongside London Councils, local authorities, the capital’s business partnerships and its diverse communities

London Councils’ Executive member for Business, Economy and Culture Cllr Elizabeth Campbell said: “London boroughs continue to play a crucial role in regenerating and safeguarding the capital’s high streets by supporting much-loved businesses and the voluntary sector.  We are championing and determined to work with local high streets as we recover from the pandemic, not least in supporting the delivery of thousands of additional outdoor eating spaces.

“The pandemic shone a light on the unique importance of local high streets in delivering vital services for our communities. I am delighted that the funding announced today will boost a range of innovative partnership projects rooted in our local communities. This is a great step towards delivering an inclusive economic recovery for all Londoners.”

London's Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) - working in partnership with London Councils and directors of children’s services, NHS Violence Reduction Programme and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) providers - has secured funding from the Home Office and the Youth Endowment Fund to deliver a targeted three-year programme of high intensity intervention to children aged 11-17 who are most at risk of being involved in violence or exploitation.

The £10 million of investment will help deliver interventions for up to 2,500 children and young people at the greatest risk of serious violence in the capital.

London Councils’ Executive Member for Crime and Public Protection, Cllr Jas Athwal, said: “Early intervention is a vital priority across all boroughs to tackle violence. This funding will provide young people with tools to make better choices themselves and positively alter patterns of behaviour. It will also help services to support those most at risk of violence and exploitation across London.

“Children and young people most in need of high intensity therapeutic services are least likely to access them in a clinical setting and this crucial programme cuts through this barrier. By engaging constructively and positively within London’s diverse communities, we can help to reduce serious violence making our capital safer for young people and all Londoners.”

Following the resignation of Councillor Flick Rea, a by-election took place in in Camden's Fortune Green ward last week. The by-election was won by Nancy Jirira (Liberal Democrat). The full result is available here.

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