Coronavirus: Providing suitable temporary accommodation   

During this global public health emergency, it is vital that we provide everyone who is homeless with safe and suitable temporary accommodation. The social distancing, self-isolation, and material support inherent to any socially effective and therefore public health response must apply to everyone in our communities.

Emergency powers should be included in legislation to allow for compulsory letting orders on public health grounds to allow these types of holiday or empty properties to be used as suitable temporary accommodation during this crisis

Local government should work with services and accommodation providers to ensure that no one is sleeping rough or being left without suitable accommodation as a result of hostel and B&B closures, and that everyone is supported into appropriate accommodation where they can safely adhere to government guidance.