Homeless covid deaths should act as a wake up call

Responding to ONS statistics released today that reveal 16 people who were homeless have died as a result of Covid-19, Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran said: “Every death is truly heart-breaking. With coronavirus putting the most vulnerable in our communities at risk, we must ensure no one is left behind. 16 homeless deaths is 16 too many. “The Government must avoid more deaths by protecting emergency funding for local authorities to accommodate rough sleepers, particularly as many have underlying health conditions. “This sad news should act as a wake up call to the Conservatives. Ministers must urgently produce a long-term plan to end rough sleeping, including supporting my Bill to scrap the Vagrancy Act that so needlessly criminalises rough sleepers."