User:Alexisd305

Thing that the government should do.

1 A right to a home

Commit to the goal of ending homelessness in the UK within three terms of government. Reform homelessness law to ensure that all homeless people, including former rough sleepers, are entitled to a decent settled home.

2 Housing supply and allocation

Invest to meet housing need in full, especially the need for settled accommodation for people in hostels, B&B hotels and other forms of temporary accommodation. Ensure that homeless people receive a fair share of affordable housing.

3 Working together to prevent homelessness

Make sure government departments at all levels work together effectively and with the voluntary sector to prevent homelessness. Protect and enhance the Supporting People funding programme to allow flexibility in preventing and tackling homelessness.

4 Health

Ensure that health strategies at all levels recognise the needs of homeless people. Direct all NHS trusts to ensure that homeless people can access health care and are never discharged from hospitals onto the streets.

5 Full citizenship

Ensure that homeless people benefit from the full range of citizens’ rights offered through involvement, consultation and democratic participation. Introduce a ‘service passport’ for homeless people so they can continue to receive services wherever they move.

6 Focus on multiple needs

Promote effective integrated services for homeless people who have multiple needs, especially for former entrenched rough sleepers and those who are still sleeping rough.

7 Welfare benefits, work and training

Reform the benefits system to end the poverty trap. Introduce a New Deal for homeless people to support their efforts towards independence through study, volunteering, training, work or enterprise.

8 Drugs and alcohol

Create integrated housing and treatment pathways for homeless people who are dependent on drugs and/or alcohol.

9 Cultural rights

Recognise that homeless people have the same talents, creative potential, expressive power and right to take part in cultural life as any citizen. Invest in cultural programmes that help people to overcome trauma, rediscover self-esteem, co-operate with others and reintegrate with society.

10 Refugees, asylum seekers, migrant workers

Improve homelessness services for asylum seekers and refugees so that no one is roofless. Ensure that refugees can access the housing and support they need to build new secure lives. Improve advice and help to access accommodation for homeless people from the EU accession states.