What steps are you taking to prepare for any rise in homelessness this winter with the current cost of living crisis ongoing?

In addition to steps outlined in my response to question 2022/3363, I’ve urged the government to take immediate action to tackle steep increases in private rents. I’ve demanded powers to temporarily freeze rents and stressed the need to ensure the benefits available to private tenants reflect rents

For the sake of both private and social tenants who need benefits to help with their rent, I’ve reiterated my call for government to end its Benefit Cap.

I’ll respond to the government’s recently published consultation on limiting rent rises in the social sector to below inflation.

I’ve already responded to the government’s consultation on funding for local authorities’ homelessness services. I urged it develop alternative proposals based on more robust indicators of need and - critically for London - taking account of the supply and cost of homes.

These steps need to sit alongside other measures I’ve called for – for example, emergency measures to help with fuel costs.

My team at City Hall are working closely in partnership with councils, charities, and other partners to try to ensure there is a collective response to any big spike in homelessness which might occur. This includes making sure that everyone sleeping rough in London is protected during the coldest temperatures. As normal, I will activate the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) when temperatures drop to 0°C anywhere in London. This means that councils across London must open emergency accommodation for people who are sleeping rough during the worst weather conditions. City Hall’s own severe weather provision will be available to anyone who finds that local provision is full.