Money where the mouth is

But more needs to be done to end rough sleeping for good. It is not acceptable for people still to be sleeping on the street, and to feel socially excluded.

This is why I have launched a rough sleeping strategy called ‘No one left out’, which aims to end rough sleeping by 2012 for good. It is backed by £200 million investment – the biggest ever cash injection into tackling rough sleeping.

The strategy focuses on ensuring that housing and support services are available across the country. It sets out the steps we would like our partners in local authorities, the voluntary sector and agencies who work with homeless people to take in bringing the numbers down. It also sets out how we will support these partners nationally, regionally and locally. I want them to sustain their commitment and remain enthusiastic that we will end rough sleeping for good.

The strategy is also about changing the way in which we work – concentrating on what’s most effective rather than what’s easiest or quickest.

It emphasises three things – prevention, partnerships, and personalised, comprehensive services. We need to prevent people ending up on the streets by providing effective housing options to vulnerable groups. Prevention should be central to everything we do.

Second, services need to continue working together, sharing ownership and responsibility. Central government, local authorities and communities need to work in partnership to help rough sleepers get back to living independently.

And third, we need personalised services which offer life-changing solutions. It should not be about getting people off the streets and saying the job is done. It should be about putting together long-term plans, finding out what people want to achieve and the help they need to achieve their goals.

Rough sleepers who are determined to rebuild their lives, regain self-respect, and become part of the community again are an inspiration. I feel proud of those who have achieved this. Recently, I met some ex-rough sleepers who’ve not only got themselves back on their feet, but are putting their experiences to positive use by mentoring other homeless people.

One of the guys was called Ronnie, and he was sleeping rough behind a bookies. Ronnie is a roofer by trade, and wants to pass on his skills to the next generation. He doesn’t just want to help himself, or even his family – but to give something back, be part of the community again.

On another visit, I met a young girl who had also hit rock bottom, but with the support on offer was now studying to be a nursery manager. That ambition has really stuck with me. She didn’t just want to work with kids – she wanted to run the place. And if she didn’t set any boundaries or limitations on what she could achieve, then neither should we.

We should never lose the focus that with the right kind of support, we can rebuild people’s lives, give them back their independence and dignity. And feel satisfied that we are making a difference.

Critics may say that ending rough sleeping by 2012 is impossible, but I’m not willing to roll over and accept that ‘rough sleeping happens’. I know it’s ambitious, but I won’t apologise for that. It’ll be hard work, but that shouldn’t stop us. The result will be worth it.

Iain Wright MP is the homelessness minister.