A WORCESTER homelessness campaigner has called on the Government to do more to tackle the issue after a report by MPs found it was ‘undoubtedly increasing.’
Hugo Sugg, who runs the #HugosEarthquake campaign, welcomed the findings of a report carried out by MPs on the Communities and Local Government Committee, which concluded a new government plan is needed to reduce homelessness in the UK.
In the report, MPs warned that current statistics did not capture the full scale of homelessness, and there were many “hidden homeless” who may be staying with friends or have not looked for help.
In response to the report’s findings, Hugo, who was homeless himself at the age of 18, agreed with MPs that there needs to be a more ‘robust’ system of data collection to make sure the government’s statistics are as accurate as possible.
“The appreciation from the committee of homelessness rising in the United Kingdom is positive,” he said.
“The committee mentions how there needs to be better data collected about homelessness figures, and my campaign fully supports a move towards more robust collection of data through better reporting systems and more frequent counts of rough sleepers and the ‘hidden homeless.’
“We agree with the committee that the Government need to set out guidance about how to deal with people presenting as homeless, in a uniform fashion so no matter which authority you present at, you receive the same response and care.”
Hugo also called on local authorities to show more understanding when people present themselves as homeless.
“The report by the Committee acknowledges the importance of compassion and understanding from Local Authorities when they are dealing with people presenting as homeless,” he said.
“Through own experience, and hearing other cases, this is something which my campaign very much supports.
“We believe there needs to be a clear level of understanding between staff and the often-complex situations the individual/s are in.”
The Government is yet to respond to the report’s findings.
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