An official count in July found there were 11 rough sleepers in the borough
Rokshana Fiaz said 94 per cent of the rough sleepers the council supported between March 2020 and May 2021 have not returned to the streets. During that period they helped around 650 people.
An official count in July 2021 found there were 11 rough sleepers in the borough, a decrease of 89 per cent compared with a count from January 2019.
The council also helped around 60 per cent of rough sleepers get a COVID-19 vaccine, supported 205 with their immigration status and put 84 people in touch with the Public Health England enhance substance misuse pathway.
Fiaz said: “I know from personal experience how devastating it can be to lose your home. I am deeply proud of our people-focused, compassionate strategy that has helped keep 94 per cent of rough sleepers from returning to the streets.
“Here in Newham, we empower vulnerable people to make decisions about their own future, even one person sleeping rough is too many. It’s clear that our approach works – the Government could make a huge difference to thousands of lives by following our lead.”
Newham’s results have been shortlisted for an LGC Award and, in 2020, the borough was commended by the then-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government for achieving the highest proportionate reduction in rough sleeping in the UK.
The Local Government Chronicle Awards pay tribute to outstanding work from councils throughout the UK, the winners will be announced on Thursday, 4 November.
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