John Glenton, Executive Director of Care & Support at Riverside, said: “RSI funding has proven itself to be effective with local authorities taking part able to reduce rough sleeping by almost one third (32%). We have seen first-hand from our own involvement in RSI funded projects across the country, the impact they can have.

“The Government should be commended for its on-going commitment to investing in rough sleeper services with funding for RSI increased by almost four-fifths (81%) in this financial year compared to last year.

“To enable local authorities to reduce rough sleeping further the Government should commit to longer-term, sustainable funding so people affected by rough sleeping and the dedicated people looking after them don’t have to go through the anxiety of worrying that their place or job is at risk each year.

“The forthcoming Spending Review presents an opportunity for a reset on housing and homelessness spending and the chance to place as much emphasis and investment on preventing homelessness as is spent on tackling the most visible form of homelessness: rough sleeping.

“This focus on homelessness prevention is much needed. In November last year research by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation found that because of the economic impact of Covid-19, 700,000 households are already in arrears and 350,000 are at risk of eviction. We need to prevent as many people as possible from sleeping rough on the street.

“Now is the time for this administration to build on the great achievements of ‘Everyone In’.”