Derby maintains low rough sleeper numbers during challenging times

Published: 24 February 2022

Derby’s partnership approach to addressing rough sleeping and homelessness continues to achieve positive outcomes. Derby city partners estimated that there were 11 people sleeping rough in a single night in November 2021. The figure was announced earlier today by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) as part of their official statistics on the Rough Sleeping Snapshot in England (2021). This is an increase of five from the previous year.

The partnership has kept the figure low for 2021 continuing to highlight the progress made over recent years, where figures peaked at 47 back in 2013. 

Derby continues to achieve significant investment from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to support local rough sleeping initiatives. Examples of these include supported housing pathways, street outreach services, a city centre safe space and floating support for people living in insecure accommodation.

In addition, the strong partnership between Derby City Council, Derby Homes, Public Health, Derbyshire constabulary and the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Derbyshire, provides further resources that compliment this funding.

All partners across the city continue to contribute to the rough sleeper initiatives with regular ‘homeless liaison’ meetings held throughout a period which has seen additional challenges brought about by the pandemic. 

Councillor Roy Webb, Cabinet Member for Adults Health and Housing said:

“Our continued low numbers of individuals sleeping rough in the city demonstrates the positive impact the city’s partnership is achieving.

I am confident that the small number of individuals who continue to sleep on the streets of Derby have all been offered and continue to be offered accommodation and specialist support, such as a dedicated paramedic and mental health services.”

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