"It's not something we're worried is going to happen, we're almost certain it will"

Homeless charities in West Yorkshire are preparing for an increase in rough sleepers after the lifting of restrictions

Homeless man in Leeds city centre
Author: Hannah NorburyPublished 27th Jul 2021
Last updated 27th Jul 2021

Homeless charities are expecting a rise in the number of rough sleepers now that restrictions have lifted.

During the pandemic, many people were placed in vacant hotels and hostels through the governments 'Everyone's in' campaign, but now these places are full.

Now, an independent report says the principles and funding of the initiative must continue.

Click here to read the findings of the Kerslake Commission on Homelessness and Rough Sleeping.

Louise Lapish from Simon on the Streets in Leeds said:

"We're expecting the numbers to grow and it's really important that we acknowledge that there is so much that can help people overcome the obstacles for these things, whether it's changes to systems, additional support, different ways of housing.

"There's lots of factors behind that, we have people who aren't able to be housed through the various councils.

"Women who find themselves homeless, it's very easy for them to find a bed for the night, and many will have found themselves in situations during the pandemic that they may need to escape or want to get away from and changes in eviction rules will certainly mean people will find themselves without a home.

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