Dear Sir,

Cllr Wilkinson and I tend to agree on most housing and homelessness issues, and I am glad he notes the support provided by this government to reduce homelessness and rough sleeping.

Just for the record, Harlow received a total of £1,065,643 in grants this year1 and 2. It is significant that despite Harlow being smaller than our neighbouring councils, only half that sum (£540,568) went to East Herts council, and £685,122 to Epping Forest. Less than a quarter was awarded to Uttlesford council (£232,337).

In comparison, in 2010/11, the last year of a Labour Government, the council received a total £89,000 in Homelessness Grant3.

Much of the grant is based on the splendid work of Streets2Homes over the years in providing support to rough sleepers and their holistic approach in helping them maintain their homes. (Declaration of interest, I was chairman of S2H until a few years ago).

The lobbying by our MP of the responsible departments to highlight this work reminds the decision makers of the successful partnership between the council and the charitable sector to achieve no one sleeping rough last month, compared with 24 in 2017.

The Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 placed additional burdens on local authorities which was recognised with what has become the Homeless Prevention Grant1. There is also the Rough Sleepers Initiative to support getting people off the streets, both of which were introduced by the Conservative Government.

The Conservatives have made reducing rough sleeping and homelessness a major priority. Harlow has further benefitted from that support with an active and caring Conservative MP seeking recognition for the excellent joint working on the ground to help the most vulnerable regain a home and their dignity.

Simon Carter (Cllr)