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Abena Oppong-Asare MP Secures £640,000 Funding Boost to Tackle Homelessness in Erith and Thamesmead

Thousands of people facing homelessness will be supported by a new £84 million cash injection to councils up and down the country ahead of winter, with Erith and Thamesmead set to benefit.

Children and families in temporary accommodation in Greenwich and Bexley will be prioritised – with the funding to go towards helping families to cover the essentials like food, school travel and laundry. The new funding unlocked by the Labour government, which will support children to remain in education, has been announced on World Homeless Day (10 October).

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, has welcomed this announcement, highlighting that included in this injection will be £526,868 for Greenwich Council and £114,724 for Bexley Council.

It comes as record levels of households are in temporary accommodation across the country, including nearly 170,000 children. After 14 years of Conservative government, levels of rough sleeping have more than doubled since 2010.

This announcement comes on top of the Labour government’s almost £1 billion investment to tackle homelessness this year and includes the largest ever investment in prevention services, helping councils intervene early and stop homelessness before it happens.

The investment provides tailored services for those experiencing long-term rough sleeping – including mental health support, drug and alcohol treatment and sustainable accommodation – ensuring people get the help they need to rebuild their lives.

Labour’s Housing Secretary, Steve Reed MP, said:

“Homelessness is a moral stain on our society. Growing numbers of people have been abandoned to sleep rough on the streets and children left in squalid, overcrowded conditions.

“This government will not stand idly by and allow that to continue. We will make different choices.

That’s why we are investing £1 billion to give homeless people the security of a roof over their heads and get back on track to end homelessness for good.”

Today’s investment supports delivery of the Labour government’s Plan for Change, in addition to:

  • £950 million to increase the supply of good temporary accommodation
  • Abolishing ‘no fault’ evictions through the landmark Renters’ Rights Bill
  • £39 billion investment to deliver the biggest increase in social and affordable housing in a generation.

Labour’s Homelessness Minister, Alison McGovern MP, said:

“You can’t have a decent life without a decent home. Whether it’s rough sleeping or sofa surfing or, at its worst, children stuck in B&Bs, homelessness in the UK has been too high for too long.

“This has to stop. Through our Plan for Change, the UK will build homes and get help to those who need it to put a roof over their head.

“We’re providing extra cash now to address a crisis made over the past decade. Both the government’s £39bn to build social and affordable homes and the Child Poverty Strategy to come will tackle the root causes of this problem, but we need action now to stop homelessness getting any worse.”

Abena Oppong-Asare, Labour Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead said:

“Labour will never turn a blind eye to homelessness.

“It ruins lives, but has tragically more than doubled since 2010, under the last Conservative Government. I know from speaking with people in our community that tackling this problem is a priority.

“I welcome this Government’s £84m boost to help prevent it and support families this winter – including vital funding for our communities in Bexley and Greenwich”

Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis, said:

“This funding is very welcome, especially as winter approaches and with homelessness rising. More people are likely to face the prospect of sleeping on cold streets and need support urgently. More parents will be working out how to help their children do homework from cramped and draughty temporary accommodation.

“We know that targeted support can make a big difference and help people take their first steps out of homelessness.”

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“A huge opportunity for Thamesmead” – Abena Oppong-Asare MP welcomes government’s new housing and DLR plans for the area

Abena Oppong-Asare MP has today welcomed the government’s announcement that Thamesmead has been identified by the New Towns Taskforce as one of 12 recommended locations for the next generation of new towns.

The plans, published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, set out ambitions to create thousands of new homes in Thamesmead. Crucially, the proposals highlight the opportunity to extend the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) into Thamesmead – a long-awaited step that would transform local transport links, boost the local economy, and improve access to jobs and services.

The Taskforce, set up to help deliver the government’s target of 1.5 million new homes this Parliament, recommends each new town should provide at least 10,000 homes, with 40% affordable and half of those for social rent. It also calls for accountable delivery bodies to give local communities long-term certainty.

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead said:

“This is a huge opportunity for Thamesmead. The government’s plans for new homes and the DLR extension could be truly transformational – tackling London’s housing crisis, boosting local transport, and unlocking Thamesmead’s potential.

“Through my #NextStopThamesmead campaign I’ve long argued for better local transport connections, so I strongly welcome this positive step forward.

“I will work hard to ensure these plans are delivered in partnership with local residents and reflect our community’s needs.”

The Erith and Thamesmead MP recently visited Thamesmead Waterfront with Deputy Mayor Seb Dance, Greenwich Council Leader Cllr Anthony Okereke, and James Asser MP to hear about plans for new homes, local jobs, and the DLR extension. This visit came alongside the Chancellor’s Spending Review over the summer, where she committed to working with TfL on this project.

The government will now undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment before confirming final sites next year. Abena Oppong-Asare MP has pledged to work with ministers and residents to put local people at the heart of these plans, so Thamesmead gets the homes, transport, and investment it deserves.

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Have Your Say: Abena Oppong-Asare MP Welcomes Leaseholder Consultation

The Government is consulting on long-overdue reforms to the leasehold system – and this is your chance to influence change.

Too many leaseholders in Erith and Thamesmead face high service charges, poor management, and little say over their own homes. I hear regularly from residents about inflated fees, unaccountable managing agents, and restrictive rules.

This consultation, entitled “Strengthening leaseholder protections over fees, charges and services”, is in two parts:

Part 1: Implementing the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024

  • Increase transparency over fees and service charges, with clearer annual reports and access to building accounts.
  • Improving the appeals process by removing the presumption for leaseholders to pay the freeholder’s legal costs in certain cases.

Part 2: Further Reforms

  • Reforming the Section 20 ‘Major Works’ rules so agents plan ahead and leaseholders have more say in major projects.
  • Mandatory qualifications for managing agents to ensure competence and accountability.

Taken together, these proposals would give leaseholders far greater rights, protections, and power to challenge unfair costs. They are part of the Government’s wider plan to bring the feudal leasehold system to an end, with a draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill due later this year.

The consultation is open for 12 weeks, closing on the 26th September 2025.

You can have your say, and respond to the consultation here.

As your local MP, I will continue to push for a fairer, more transparent system for leaseholders in Erith and Thamesmead. Your voice and experiences matter – please take this chance to share them and help shape the future of these reforms.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about this consultation or if you need any further assistance.

Abena in Erith

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February 2025 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Thank you for taking the time to look at my monthly newsletter for February 2025.

I hope you enjoy this update on some of the work I have been doing in Erith and Thamesmead and in Parliament over the last month.

As ever, if you want to get in touch, don’t hesitate to contact me using the email address: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk

Abena

Government’s ‘Plan for Change’

This month, I wanted to highlight some of the vital actions being taken by the Government that will make a real difference for Erith and Thamesmead residents.

Fixing our NHS remains a top priority, and I’m pleased to see that the extra 2 million NHS appointments promised by the Prime Minister has already been achieved seven months early. We must build on this progress to create an NHS truly fit for the future.

This month, the Government has also stepped-up efforts to expand social and affordable housing, a key issue for our community. Ministers announced a £350 million boost to drive construction, alongside measures to improve standards and crack down on rogue landlords in supported housing.

Additionally, the Chancellor has recently announced new measures to kick start the economy and put more money in people’s pockets. I back her belief in Britain’s potential and her refusal to accept a low growth future. I look forward to these projects creating a brighter future for the country and here in Erith and Thamesmead.

While tough decisions have been necessary, I hope you agree that this Government is making real progress on these and many other issues to deliver the change agenda the country voted for last year.

Greenwich Holocaust Memorial Day Event

I was honoured to attend the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration. It was a poignant reminder to remember the past and stand against hatred. Grateful for the chance to reflect and pay tribute.

Visit to St Margaret Clitherow Primary School

It was a pleasure to be able to visit St Margaret Citherow Primary school in Thamesmead. Firstly, I thanked the students for their lovely designs for my recent Christmas Card Competition. I then had a mini-Interview with two of the runners up, Michelle and Arielle, who fired questions at me about my role in politics. I also asked what inspired their designs, and they shared that the beautiful scenery in our constituency was their main inspiration.

It was great to also join the Key Stage 2 assembly whereby the students asked about my role as their MP and my political journey. Lastly, I was taken on a lovely tour of the school by the Head Girl, Claire, and the Head Boy, Jimi.

Walkabout with Greenwich Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team

It was important to recently join a walkabout with the Thamesmead Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT). It was insightful to see and hear firsthand how they deal with the challenges of policing in the local area. What stood out as especially valuable was observing how they cooperate with local schools to ensure a safe dispersal at the end of the school day – making sure the area is kept safe for the students and residents.

It is important we continue to restore trust in our police and crack down on all forms of crime.

Re-opening of Woodlands Farm Trust Education Centre

It was a pleasure to attend the relaunch of education classes at the Vaughan Mills Education Centre on Woodlands Farm, alongside Shooters Hill Councillors, Ivis Williams and Raja Zeeshan and the respective Mayors for Greenwich and Bexley.

I saw the fantastic nature on offer at the Farm on our tour led by Dr Barry Gray, chairman of the Woodlands Farm Trust. It is imperative more young people get outside and enjoy the great green spaces available to them in our constituency.

Ministerial work in the Cabinet Office

This month, I’ve been excited to continue my work in the Cabinet Office. I’ve had the privilege of visiting various teams across the country, each doing incredible work in their areas of expertise.

I began the month with an important visit to the University of Glasgow’s Advanced Research Centre to speak to them about their groundbreaking quantum research and the Government’s investment in the sector to build a more resilient Britain.

Following this, it was great to spend time with the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum (LRF), alongside fellow Minister Alex Norris, responsible for Local Growth and Building Safety. I was very impressed to see how the LRF Innovation Fund is driving projects that boost public preparedness and resilience. It was also good to visit the Waddington Fire & Rescue Training Centre, where teams master crisis response skills.

Lastly, it was a pleasure to open this February’s Local Resilience Forum Chairs’ Conference in Birmingham. During the event, I had the opportunity to engage with local resilience leaders from across the UK to discuss and identify key priorities for ensuring the safety of our communities.

Furthermore:

  • Visit to Parliament by Trinity School, Belvedere – Great to see their Year 11 GCSE Citizenship Studies class had a great visit to the Houses of Parliament, including meeting my Parliamentary team and visiting 10 Downing Street!
  • Visit to Parliament by St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School – Lovely to hear about their students’ visit to Parliament, including a tour, an Education Centre session as well as taking the time to raise some important local issues with me.  
  • New Location for Plumstead Post Office – In case you missed it, the Plumstead Post Office has reopened across the road at 7 Brewery Road. I know how vital the Post Office is to our community so I’m glad to see a smooth transition from the old location.
  • Knife Amnesty Bins – Important to see knife amnesty bins installed in our community by the Royal Borough of Greenwich. One is in Abbey Wood at the back of the Old Council Office.
  • Children’s Mental Health Week 2025 – This month I supported Place2Be’s important work marking Children’s Mental Health Week 2025. Find out more here.
  • National Apprenticeship Week – Good to see the Government going further and faster to support apprentices nationwide with up to 10,000 more places per year.
  • Time to Talk Day 2025 – This day gives us all a chance to get comfortable and start talking about mental health. Find out more here.
  • LGBT+ History Month – Glad to celebrate the heritage and contributions of LGBT+ communities in our local area and across the country this month.
  • Hearts Unions Week – Pleased to celebrate all the work unions do to make our workplaces fairer and stronger during this recognition week.

Stay updated on social media

For regular updates on my activities, follow me on Twitter (@abenaopp), Facebook (Abena Oppong-Asare MP, Erith and Thamesmead), and Instagram (abena.oppongasare.mp).

You can also sign up to my digital newsletter at www.abenaoppongasare.com/get_in_touch

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Emmaus Greenwich Visit

It was inspiring to visit Emmaus Greenwich in my constituency, the work that they do makes a real difference to people trying to overcome homelessness, giving them support, skills and the confidence to build a better life for themselves. This type of community work is so important, and I thank them and their companions for taking the time to speak to me about their experiences.

This government is committed to seriously tackling homelessness across the UK, with the new cross government – Homelessness Taskforce which will develop a long-term strategy to combat this issue. Working alongside organisations like Emmaus, we have a real chance to improve the lives of so many suffering unnecessarily, building dynamic local communities with empowered citizens in the process

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New Kitchen at the Javan Coker Foundation

I was also very pleased to join the Javan Coker Foundation (JCF) this month as they celebrated the installation of their newly refurbished kitchen at the JCF centre.

Alongside the Council Leader, Cllr Anthony Okereke, it was lovely to join the team for the opening and hear about all the great work they have been doing to support children and families in need.

If you would like to find out more about the charity and what they are doing in our community, then you can find their website here: https://www.thejavancokerfoundation.org/.

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Abena Oppong-Asare MP speaks on Affordable and Safe Housing for All

On 18th May 2021, Abena Oppong-Asare MP spoke in the House of Commons on Affordable and Safe Housing for All. You can find the full debate here or read Abena’s contribution below: 

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It is a pleasure to speak in this debate. I welcome my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester Central (Lucy Powell) to her new position. She is already doing a great job. Today, I will speak about the housing crisis that affects far too many of my constituents. The crisis takes many forms: families living in cramped, overcrowded accommodation; renters struggling with sky-high rents in the private rented sector; leaseholders trapped in dangerous flats with the Government letting them down; and people priced out of their local areas and struggling to save enough money to buy. Too often my constituents are at the sharp end of the crisis. The Queen’s Speech was an opportunity to begin to solve those problems—to build more council homes and make safety a priority for all, to end the leaseholder scandal, and to properly regulate the private rental market.

Instead, the Government are choosing to introduce a Planning Bill that will take power away from local communities and hinder, not help, efforts to build more social housing. The Government’s failure to invest in social housing means that, according to Shelter, 10 times as many new social rented homes were delivered through section 106 obligations as through Government investment. The Planning Bill will greatly reduce the scope for local authorities to insert those obligations into planning applications, meaning less social housing despite the scale of the housing crisis that we face. Instead, the Government need to give councils the powers and money to build more social rented homes as soon as possible.

The absence of a social housing Bill is a huge gap in the Queen’s Speech. It is now nearly four years since the devastating fire at Grenfell Tower. In the aftermath of that appalling event, I was involved in community engagement on behalf of the Mayor of London. I heard at first hand from those in the community who had been repeatedly ignored as they raised concerns about the safety of their homes. I pay tribute once again to the dignity and courage of the bereaved and the survivors.

In the years that have followed, the Government have repeatedly promised to reform the social housing sector. In the document accompanying the Queen’s Speech, they say:

“We will also continue to develop reform of social housing regulations and look to legislate as soon as practicable.”

But we simply cannot wait any longer. We need action now. The failure to include safeguards for social housing tenants and leaseholders in this year’s Queen’s Speech is simply unacceptable. I do welcome the building safety Bill, but this is yet another missed opportunity to help hundreds of thousands of leaseholders, who are being forced to pay to correct a problem that is not their fault. I urge the Government to listen to the growing consensus from across the political divide.

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Parliamentary business continues despite crisis

I hope you are staying home and keeping safe at this very challenging time. I’m working from home where my job as your MP continues. My team and I continue to support local people with a range of casework, from helping people to access financial support as a result of Covid-19 to assisting those stranded overseas. I’m also still holding the Government to account and demanding answers where their strategy is failing.

Parliament will be meeting virtually for the duration of the lockdown and business will continue as much as it possibly can. I’m taking the concerns you’ve raised with me directly to Ministers. 

This week and next at Parliamentary question time I’ll be asking the Culture Secretary about the support available for self-employed people working in the digital, culture, media and sport industries affected by Covid-19. I’ll also be asking the Justice Secretary about the very serious challenges facing our prisons at this time and what action is being taken.

Next week, my Housing, Communities and Local Government select committee will be questioning Secretary of State Robert Jenrick. I’ll be asking him how he is ensuring local authorities like Greenwich and Bexley get the financial support they need at this time of crisis. Councils have faced massive cuts and the Government must step up to ensure they meet all of the costs associated with delivering social care and other vital local services.

My committee, with my support, will also be launching an inquiry into the impact of Covid-19 on homelessness and the private rented sector. I and many of my colleagues have serious concerns about the short and long-term impact on homelessness and those in insecure housing and we want to hear from those affected and organisations supporting them in order to make recommendations to Government. You can submit your views to hclgcom@parliament.uk.

If you have an issue you need my help with or if you have any questions or concerns to put to me, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and my team and I will get back to you as soon as we can.

Abena Oppong-Asare

MP for Erith & Thamesmead

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MP calls for evidence for Parliamentary inquiry

Erith & Thamesmead MP Abena Oppong-Asare is calling on local people and organisations to submit evidence to a Parliamentary inquiry into homelessness and Covid-19.

The Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee, of which Abena is a member, is set to examine the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the homelessness, rough sleeping and the private rented sector.

In response to Covid-19, the Government launched the Everyone In scheme, whereby local authorities were required to house rough sleepers in hotels or emergency accommodation. They also announced £3.2 million in funding for local authorities to protect those who are homeless.

The Government has also introduced a number of schemes intended to support people in the private rented sector, including halting evictions for 3 months and raising the Local Housing Allowance rate.

However, there are concerns about the short and long-term impact of these strategies, including the quality of accommodation and access to amenities, such as for homeless people in temporary accommodation and the exit strategy when social distancing measures are reduced. There are also concerns about people in the private rented sector who may build up rent arrears over the coming months and still face eviction when the three-month ban expires.

The inquiry will examine how effective the Government support has been in supporting individuals in the private rented sector or who are homeless. It will also look at what long term strategies will need to be put in place to support both groups in the long-term, once current measures expire.

Speaking after the select committee agreed to launch an inquiry, Abena said:

“I called for this inquiry along with many of my colleagues because there are urgent issues which need to be addressed to support rough sleepers and those in insecure accommodation when this crisis ends. It is vital that those in precarious living situations are supported by the Government. We must ensure that people without homes and those sleeping rough are protected during this health crisis.

“However, we must also look at what will happen when the crisis ends. Where will those currently housed in hotels go when the Everyone In scheme expires? What happens in three months time when the eviction ban lapses for people who have no job and now owe three months rent?

“I encourage local people and relevant organisations to get in touch with me to share your views so that I may represent your interests as the inquiry unfolds.”

The Committee invites written evidence on the impact of COVID-19 on homelessness, rough sleeping, and the private rented sector, as well as any other connected issues. In particular, the Committee is interesting in finding out: 

  • How effective has the support provided by MHCLG and other Government departments in addressing the impact of COVID-19 on those in the private rented sector, rough sleepers, and the homeless?
  • What problems remain a current and immediate concern for these groups?
  • What might be the immediate post-lockdown impacts for these groups, and what action is needed to help with these?

 

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Covid-19 emergency legislation response

In March 2020 the Government introduced emergency Covid-19 legislation in response to the ongoing public health crisis.

I hold major concerns regarding the sweeping powers that this bill introduced. However, in line with guidance and following discussion with colleagues, I and other colleagues in the opposition did not attend the debate. It is important to point out that we did have many meetings and discussions relating to this bill and our concerns were relayed to our front bench MPs and shadow ministers. We agreed that this was the safest and most organised way to scrutinise this legislation.

Therefore, the Labour Party including myself put across many issues and concerns in relation to this legislation. To summarise for you, we made the following points with regards to this legislation:

  • The legislation should be reviewed after six months, with a fresh vote in parliament after this six-month period. The restrictions should be temporary and should not represent a long-term restriction of our civil liberties. This has been passed into law, meaning that the legislation will now be reviewed on this basis.
  • Jobs and incomes must be protected. This should include a European-level sick pay for all workers and an end to the five-week waiting period for Universal Credit. I also wrote to the Secretary of State regarding issues that relate to the self-employed, as they did not currently have the same level of protection as employed workers.
  • I would like to see more support for private renters, including potential rent suspension and a ban on evictions for six months rather than three months. Again, I wrote to the Secretary of State on the issue of private renters.
  • I have real concerns regarding the mental health elements of this bill and the impact that this bill has on the pre-existing Care Act. Naturally, these concerns were raised with the Labour front bench and brought forward for debate in the House of Commons.
  • We have recommended that changes to care of the disabled and elderly should undergo a review by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission and undergo a review.

Despite very real concerns I do understand the need for urgent government intervention to arrest the spread of this virus, whilst also mitigating the impact on our economy. I would echo the words of Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, Johnathan Ashworth, when he said it was with a ‘heavy heart’ that we would support this legislation overall, although with the caveats mentioned above.

I will continue to scrutinise this legislation in the future alongside my Labour colleagues to ensure the issues I have raised can be addressed.

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