THE leader of the Harlow Green Party has questioned Harlow Council’s commitment to homelessness.

Jennifer Steadman asked the following question at full council.

Jennifer Steadman to Councillor Dan Swords (Leader of the Council):

Now that the government have announced their £3.5 billion investment plan to
halve the number of rough sleepers in the UK, what extra provision and support
will Harlow Council offer to the homeless folks of Harlow especially during the
winter months?

Dan Swords replied:

The government’s announcement of new investment to tackle rough sleeping is welcome, and we are currently awaiting the full detail of how the financial grant will be allocated and what this will mean for Harlow specifically. Once that information is confirmed, we will be clear about how additional funding canstrengthen local provision.

What I can say with certainty is that our ambition in Harlow is clear: our target is to have no one sleeping rough, and to significantly reduce homelessness across the town. This commitment is set out in our new Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy, which focuses on prevention, early intervention, and sustained support to help people rebuild their lives.

We already continue to provide external tenancy support for those sleeping rough, working closely with partners to help individuals access accommodation and wider support services. During the winter months, when temperatures drop below zero, the council will continue to operate Severe Weather Provision and will work alongside our voluntary and statutory partners to ensure that no one is left without help when they need it most.

Homelessness is not just about housing – it is about dignity, stability, and opportunity. Through our strategy, our partnerships, and by making the best use of future government funding, we are determined to play our part in ensuring that everyone in Harlow has a safe place to call home.

I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to our Housing Options and Advice Team and key partners like Streets 2 Home who are first-rate and support thousands of residents each year to prevent homelessness, tackle rough sleeping and support Harlow residents.