The Green Party has responded to new figures showing more than 4000 people a night have been sleeping rough in England, a 16% increase from last year [1]. The number of people sleeping rough is now more than double the number there were in 2010.
Jonathan Bartley, Green Party co-leader, said:
“Britain has the world's sixth largest economy but we’re failing to provide some of the most vulnerable people in England with shelter, which is not just one of the most basic human needs but a basic human right. Everyone deserves to be safe and warm at night, particularly during the coldest time of the year.
"This is the direct result of successive governments’ failure to tackle the growing housing crisis. Severe cuts to housing benefit have now left growing numbers struggling to keep a roof over their heads.
“The vast gap between rich and poor is increasing. We are in an age of insecurity where life is getting worse for those at the bottom of the ladder. Instead of turning our backs on the people forced to sleep rough we need cooperation between the Government and local authorities to provide emergency shelter and long term housing solutions. We desperately need action to fix the broken private rented sector and provide more truly affordable homes.”
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