Labour fears policy change could hurt homeless

Labour fears a council change in approach to homelessness could hurt some rough sleepers

Some rough sleepers could suffer if a council changes its policy when dealing with homelessness, Labour has said.

Labour members of North Northamptonshire Council said they were concerned about plans to focus on rough sleepers with complex needs.

They said a homeless facility in Corby would be affected.

The Conservative-controlled council did not respond to a BBC request for comment.

'Huge worry'

Lyn Buckingham, a Labour councillor at North Northamptonshire Council, said the policy change had been flagged in a report prepared for a council committee by a senior officer.

The report said the council had got government funding to deliver “supported accommodation” to rough sleepers with “complex needs”.

It said such a move would “address” a “current gap” in council policy.

Labour councillors said such a move would mean that the Corby Homeless Project would change.

They said the facility would cater for “homeless people with complex needs only” and many rough sleepers would not be able to attend to get the help needed.

“It feels like the caring rug is being torn from under the feet of those who need it most,” said Miss Buckingham.

“This is a huge worry.”

North Northamptonshire Council did not respond to a BBC request for comment.