Homeless Link have co-hosted an event at Labour Party Conference, during which a panel with a range of expertise called on Government to make the political choices needed to end rough sleeping and other types of homelessness. The event was organised in collaboration with St. Martin-in-the-Fields and Labour Housing Group.
“There’s clear evidence from around the world that homelessness can be ended. The choice is in fact a political one,” said Homeless Link Director of Social Change Fiona Colley.
During her remarks, Fiona highlighted that frontline homelessness workers – including those working in the voluntary sector – should be seen as a huge asset by Government. But also highlighted the extreme financial pressures facing voluntary services, as evidenced by the fact 35% of homelessness services have reduced the service they offer due to financial pressures in the past year (Homeless Link’s Support to End Homelessness report 2025).
Fiona also made the point that investment in these services, and the people working for them, will be key not just to delivering the Prime Minister’s short-term ambition to end rough sleeping over Christmas, but also to the long-term vision of ending homelessness for good.
Other issues explored
Duncan Shrubsole, CEO of St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields Charity, agreed that the key learning of the Covid-era ‘Everyone In’ scheme was that long-term support needs to be factored in from the start when it comes to ending rough sleeping. He also highlighted the value of partnership work with the voluntary sector.
This was a view shared by Fran Darlington Pollock, former CEO of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity. She reflected that in the drive to end rough sleeping in Manchester, partnership working with the voluntary sector was key to the progress made.
Paulene Connell, Deputy CEO of Independence Initiative, with an extensive background in frontline work, focused on the need for frontline workers to be person-centered. Although there is a pressure to deal with paperwork, she said her organisation’s priority will always be providing the immediate support people need.
Ben Cooper, Head of the Fabian Housing Centre, focused on rural homelessness and the challenges around accurate data gathering here. Panelists agreed data gathering could be a challenge across a number of different groups, notably women who are forced to sleep rough.
Panelists also agreed there needed to be much more directive action from Government to ensure support was available for non-UK nationals experiencing homelessness, particularly those with no recourse to public funds.
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