Local people have been contacting Prospective MP Tim Barnes about the very pressing issues of homelessness and rough sleeping, in the Cities of London and Westminster. He explains,
"These are complex issues without a single magic-bullet solution.
"We need more housing to relieve cost pressures for good quality homes.
"We need better protection for leaseholders and others at risk of losing their homes to prevent them falling in to homelessness and better support for those who find themselves without a home of their own or out on the streets.
"We need housing to be proud of, and that’s why I have made it one of my six key pledges in our plan for the Cities of London and Westminster.
"I am proud of the record of delivery on these issues that demonstrates my commitment to this pledge.
"As a party, we have committed to 1.6 million new homes in the next Parliament, on top of the 1 million new homes that were delivered over the last five years.
"I am proud that the Conservative administration I was part of on Westminster City Council led the largest council home-building plan for a generation. That programme is coming into fruition now with over 2,000 new homes at Ebury Bridge.
"But I am frustrated that the intermediate homes we had included were removed by the new Labour Council, helping embed the state of have’s and have-not's in Westminster. Intermediate housing can make a huge difference: it costs more than council housing, but less than a private property.
"It would enable key workers in our city to get a foot on or move up the property ladder. And, with better affordable housing, more people could move into a property that suits their needs such as the number of bedrooms, freeing up other properties.
"The Leasehold Reform Act was also a positive step to protect leaseholders and those who have the least security in their homes. But I would like to see a total end to no-fault evictions as Michael Gove proposed and will work for that if elected.
"I also recently signed the Homeless Link Parliamentary Candidate Pledge to commit to advocating for those who are homeless or sleeping rough to help them move off the streets and into long-term housing.
"The Conservative government has delivered on this agenda with meaningful funding including over £1.2 billion invested in the Homelessness Prevention Grant, so councils can offer financial support for people to find a new home, work with landlords to prevent evictions or provide temporary accommodation to those in need.
"Two Cities Conservatives have a history of campaigning for the homeless and rough sleepers. Nickie Aiken, our former MP, campaigned for more than a decade to improve services to support rough sleepers. She worked with leading charities, including The Passage, to repeal the antiquated 1824 Vagrancy Act. This is a legacy I hope to continue.
"These issues are vital and a major concern for many residents.
"Indeed, I am taking part in a hustings dedicated to this subject so that we can get to grips with the issues in detail and would be delighted if you would consider joining us.
"Please consider joining us for the Homelessness Hustings on the night of Thursday 27 June near Trafalgar Square where you’ll be able to hear my views in full and ask your own questions on the night. You can register to attend here."
