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Rail Fares Frozen for Commuters and Families in Erith and Thamesmead

Abena Oppong-Asare, Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead, has today welcomed the Labour Government’s freeze on rail fares – the first in 30 years.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the freeze ahead of the Budget this week, promising to save commuters hundreds of pounds on some of the busiest routes in the country, after decades of spiralling fares.

This freeze will be welcome news for many in Erith and Thamesmead constituency, who use Southeastern and Govia Thameslink train links on a daily basis.

Savings will be a game-changer for many commuters across the country. For example, those travelling to work 3 days a week using flexi-season tickets, will save:

  • £125 per year, travelling from Basildon to London
  • £315 per year, travelling from Milton Keynes to London
  • £173 per year, travelling from Woking to London

Abena Oppong-Asare MP said:

“This historic freeze will give much-needed breathing space for families across Erith and Thamesmead who rely on the train for travel.

“Labour understands the cost pressures working people face. And we also understand that the economy only works when it works for everyone – including making sure it’s affordable for people to travel to work and get where they need to.

“This shows the Chancellor is taking fair choices as we approach the Budget, with cutting the cost of living being a major priority.”

This announcement comes ahead of the Budget, which the Government has said will focus on the priorities of the British people: cutting waiting lists, cutting the national debt and cutting the cost of living.

Labour’s wider plans for Britain’s railways includes establishing a new publicly-owned company called “Great British Railways”, that will run and manage the tracks and trains used every day –ending years of fragmentation, driving up standards for passengers, and making journey easier and better value for money.

GBR will be accountable to passengers and taxpayers, bringing fares and ticketing into the 21st century, including through a new GBR website and app and building on the expansion of successful Pay As You Go and fares trials across the country.

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Abena welcomes breakthrough on campaign pledge to deliver DLR extension to Thamesmead

Abena Oppong-Asare, Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead, has welcomed reports that the Government is expected to confirm funding for the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) extension to Thamesmead in next week’s Budget – a major milestone for a project she has championed since her election in 2019.

The extension from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead – with a new station at Beckton – would bring a rail link to Thamesmead for the first time and help tackle decades of transport inequality in one of London’s most transport deprived areas. Journey times to Stratford could fall from currently up to 55 minutes to around 25 to 30 minutes, with commuters also able to reach Canary Wharf in 20 to 25 minutes and Liverpool Street in 35 to 40 minutes.

Extending the line is expected to unlock 25,000 new homes, up to 10,000 jobs and nearly £18 billion in private investment over 30 years – a scale of regeneration that would benefit both existing residents and future generations. It is believed over half a million people that live in Erith and Thamesmead and the wider area will benefit from this extension.

Abena was first elected on a pledge to campaign for this project, and she launched the #NextStopThamesmead campaign immediately after being elected. She has spent years driving cross-party and cross-institution support – including engagement with the Mayor of London, TfL, local authorities, developers and ministers.

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

“This is a huge step forward for Thamesmead. For too long, residents have been cut off from the transport links that much of London takes for granted. The DLR extension will finally change that – opening up access to jobs, education and opportunities across the capital.”

“I have championed this from day one. I raised it in my maiden speech and I’ve pushed ever since for the investment and regeneration our community deserves.”

“This breakthrough belongs to everyone who backed the campaign – residents, community groups and partners across London. Now we need confirmation in the Budget and a clear path to delivery, because Thamesmead has waited long enough.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:

“I’m really pleased that the Government is backing the DLR extension to Thamesmead – something I’ve long called for alongside London’s businesses and communities. The project is a win-win and a massive vote of confidence in London. It will not only transform travel in a historically underserved part of the capital, but also unlock thousands of new jobs and homes, boosting the economy not just locally but nationally.

 “I look forward to working hand in hand with Ministers to deliver this vital project as we continue building a more prosperous London for everyone.”

The plan aligns well with the Chancellor’s pledge to choose growth over austerity in the Budget and drive renewal in every part of the UK.

This breakthrough comes just months after the Chancellor committed at the Spending Review to working with Transport for London (TfL) to explore options for delivering the DLR extension to Thamesmead. It also follows the government’s announcement in September that Thamesmead has been identified by the New Towns Taskforce as one of 12 recommended locations for the next generation of new towns.

The Autumn Budget will be delivered by the Chancellor on Wednesday 26 November 2025.

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Attending the Fireworks Impact Coalition Event in Parliament

I was pleased to attend the Fireworks Impact Coalition event in Parliament on 12 November to hear firsthand from organisations and individuals about the impact fireworks can have on animals, vulnerable people and communities. I know this is an issue many constituents in Erith and Thamesmead have raised with me, and I take these concerns very seriously.

While the vast majority of people use fireworks safely and responsibly, it is important that we continue to minimise the risk of harm. I therefore welcome the Government’s ongoing work to engage with charities, businesses and consumer groups to examine the current legislation and gather evidence on where improvements may be needed.

I am also encouraged by the Government’s fireworks public safety campaign for this year, which provides clearer public guidance and highlights the risks of misuse. I will follow developments closely, including the progress of the Fireworks Bill, and continue to represent the concerns of my constituents on this issue.

Thank you once again to all those who have raised this issue with me.

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Abena celebrates local victory as double decker buses to be introduced on overcrowded 244

Local Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead, Abena Oppong-Asare, has welcomed Transport for London’s (TfL) announcement that double-decker buses will finally be introduced on the consistently overcrowded 244 route, following years of campaigning by local residents, community groups and representatives.

The change will significantly increase passenger capacity on the busy route, which serves key local areas including Shooters Hill, Woolwich, Thamesmead, and Abbey Wood. TfL confirmed that the new double-decker buses will be phased in over the coming months, alongside updated journey planning information and stop notices.

This marks a major milestone in a long-running local campaign. Back in 2017, TfL proposed wide-ranging route changes, including making the 244 double-decker, but these plans never materialised – leaving residents increasingly frustrated.

The issue has been of particular concern to Shooters Hill residents and members of the Shrewsbury Park Residents’ Association, who have highlighted overcrowding for nearly a decade.

Since taking on Shooters Hill as part of her constituency in 2024, Abena Oppong-Asare MP has repeatedly raised the issue with TfL – experiencing the overcrowding herself and pressing for urgent improvements.

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said:
“This is fantastic news for local residents who have been raising concerns about overcrowding on the 244 for many years.

“It was vital for me to raise this directly with TfL and I’m delighted that they have listened to our community and agreed to introduce double-decker buses. This will make a real difference for commuters, the elderly, school pupils and families who rely on this service every day.

“I’d like to pay tribute all those who together have worked tirelessly over the years to keep this issue on the agenda. This is a great example of what we can achieve when residents and representatives work together.”

TfL had previously indicated that an update would be provided in early autumn 2024, but no confirmation followed. The latest announcement now confirms concrete plans to increase capacity, with double-decker buses being phased in after changes to stopping arrangements in Thamesmead.

Abena Oppong-Asare MP visiting a 244 bus stop in Shooters Hill to mark the victory:

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October 2025 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Thank you for taking the time to look at my monthly newsletter for October 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

Another Month of Local Wins for Erith and Thamesmead

This month has brought some great wins for our constituency of Erith and Thamesmead. Here are a few key updates and what they mean for residents like you:

  • Renters’ Rights Bill Becomes Law – Delighted to celebrate this momentous moment alongside the implementation of the first phase of Awaab’s law, which promises to protect tenants from dangerous social housing conditions. For too long, families have faced insecurity, sudden evictions, and poor housing. Over 115,000 renters across Greenwich and Bexley will now have stronger protections, safer homes and real peace of mind. Find out more here.
  • New £80m Back to Work Funding – Vital Government package will help people overcome barriers to employment and get back into work. Find out more here.
  • Plumstead Police Station Front Counter to Stay Open – After making representations to the Met Police and the Deputy Mayor, I’m pleased the front counter in Plumstead will stay open. Find out more here.
  • New Family Hub for Bexley – Delighted to welcome this new investment in Bexley to support children and families, alongside expanded childcare and new free breakfast clubs right here in our community. Find out more here.
  • Thamesmead shortlisted for ‘New Towns’ Programme – Pleased to see our community being prioritised as an area to deliver new homes, improve transport links – with a possible DLR extension – and create local jobs. Find out more here.
  • Extra Funding to tackle Homelessness – Homelessness has doubled since 2010, ruining too many lives. I’m glad to see an £84 million boost this month, including over £640,000 for Bexley and Greenwich. Find out more here.

I’m proud of the progress we’re making and will keep working hard to deliver for everyone in Erith and Thamesmead.

Morris Mission Event

I was so pleased to be at the launch of Morris Mission CIC on Friday 10th October. From first meeting Shantel Morris at an advice surgery last year, it’s amazing to see the growth of Morris Mission and the progress that her and the team are making to support those affected by homelessness in the area.

Visit to Shooters Hill Tennis Club

Fantastic to receive such a warm welcome from the team at Shooters Hill Lawn Tennis Club (SHLTC). It’s a thriving and well-maintained club with bold ambitions for the future. Looking forward to being back there soon.

Visit to Age UK Bexley at Belvedere Community Centre

The Age UK Bexley team at Belvedere Community Centre are not only committed to championing the wellbeing of Bexley’s elderly residents, but also supporting the broader initiatives of the Community Centre. It was great to visit and witness this commitment first hand.

Visit to Guru Nanak Durbar Erith & Belvedere Sikh Temple

Really enjoyed the opportunity I had to meet with members of the committee at Erith & Belvedere Sikh Temple and see the development of the temple as it nears completion.

Poppy Appeal at Morrisons

Delighted to join Thamesmead and Abbey Wood’s Royal British Legion to launch their Poppy Appeal this year. It was a privilege to contribute to the appeal and have a chance to reflect on remembrance. Thanks also to the team at Morrisons in Thamesmead for hosting the appeal.

Remembering John O’Rourke

This month, I was honoured to attend the funeral of John O’Rourke, a great local champion and Chair of the Royal British Legion Branch in Thamesmead and Abbey Wood. It was a privilege to know John and to open the Children’s Memorial at Abbey Wood Garden earlier this year – a wonderful project he cared deeply about. He will be greatly missed.

Speaking with Oxleas BAMEx Staff Network

Very pleased to join the BAMEx Staff Network at Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust this month to talk about my journey into politics and what Black History Month means to me. Grateful for the chance to meet and hear from many passionate NHS staff from our community.

Celebrating Black History Month

I’m proud to celebrate Black History Month and to honour those who have shaped our nation and continue to drive positive change in their communities. This year, I was delighted to attend a number of significant receptions – at City Hall with the Mayor of London, in Parliament with the Speaker of the Commons, and at the Foreign Office and 10 Downing Street with the Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, and the Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy. It was inspiring to see so many outstanding voices embodying this year’s theme, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride.”

My work in Parliament as PPS to the Prime Minister

As I mentioned in my previous update, I have recently taken on the role of Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the Prime Minister. Over the past month, I’ve been focused on helping the Prime Minister prepare for Prime Minister’s Questions each Wednesday and on working closely with my parliamentary colleagues to advance the Government’s Plan for Change. I’m committed to delivering meaningful results for residents in Erith and Thamesmead and across the country.

Furthermore:

  • Manchester Synagogue Attack – My thoughts remain with the victims of this terrible attack in Manchester, their loved ones, and the wider Jewish community. I welcome the Government’s announcement of up to £10 million in emergency funding to help protect synagogues and Jewish schools across the country.
  • Peacehaven Mosque Fire – I have also been deeply concerned by this shocking act of arson and stand with the Home Secretary and Prime Minister in condemning it. I also welcome the Government’s commitment of £10 million to strengthen security and protect Muslim communities across the UK.
  • Nepal Flooding – Important to share my deepest sympathy to all those impacted by the tragic flooding in Nepal this month. My thoughts are especially with our local Nepalese community here, who I know have be worried for loved ones.
  • Welcomed Community Hospice to Parliament – Delighted to welcome Kate Heaps and her team at Community Hospice, where I’m a Patron, to Parliament for Hospice Care Week.
  • New Youth club in Thamesmead East – Residents have been asking for a new youth space for years, and I’ve been proud to raise it alongside them – now it’s finally happening! Massive thanks to local Cllr Zainab Asunramu for leading the charge.
  • Three Rivers Bexley Awarded £1m to Boost Arts & Culture – Great to hear that Three Rivers Bexley are getting £1m from Arts Council England to boost arts & culture in our community.
  • Yom Kippur and Sukkot – Pleased to mark these important moments of reflection and celebration with our Jewish community in Erith and Thamesmead this month.
  • Happy Diwali – Wished everyone celebrating in Erith & Thamesmead and across the country a very Happy Diwali this month.
  • World Mental Health Day – Proud to mark this important annual day and support Young Minds UK by wearing yellow out in the community.

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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Renters Rights Bill Becomes Law – “A Momentous Victory for Renters in Erith and Thamesmead”

Abena Oppong-Asare, Labour MP for Erith and Thamesmead, has hailed this week as a momentous and landmark moment for renters, as the Renters’ Rights Bill officially receives Royal Assent, delivering the biggest reform of renting in over forty years.

More than eleven million private renters across England, including over 2.7 million in London and over 115,000 in Greenwich and Bexley boroughs, will now benefit from stronger rights, greater security and fairer treatment in their homes. This will mean tens of thousands more families in Erith and Thamesmead constituency living in safer and more secure homes.

The new law abolishes Section 21 no-fault evictions, ending the practice that allowed landlords to remove tenants without reason. It introduces periodic tenancies so renters can stay as long as they need and gives councils new powers to crack down on rogue landlords.

The Act also ends rental bidding wars that push up costs, extends Awaab’s Law to private tenants to force landlords to fix dangerous damp and mould quickly, and applies the Decent Homes Standard to private rented homes for the first time. It makes discrimination against tenants with children or those receiving benefits illegal, creates a new Private Rented Sector Database and Ombudsman to improve transparency and ensure swift and fair dispute resolution, and strengthens renters’ rights to request pets so landlords can no longer refuse without good reason.

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

“This is a historic moment for renters in Erith and Thamesmead and across the country. For too long, families have faced insecurity, sudden evictions, and poor housing. That ends now.

“In the boroughs of Greenwich and Bexley, over 115,000 private renters will now have stronger rights, safer homes and real peace of mind.

“Labour has done in fifteen months what the Conservatives failed to deliver in fourteen years. We are giving renters the security and fairness they deserve – safe, stable homes where people can build their lives.

“But our work continues. In May’s local elections, we need strong Labour councils working with this Government to raise standards, enforce the rules, and build a fairer housing system for all.”

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed, said:

“Our historic Act marks the biggest leap forward in renters’ rights in a generation. We are finally ending the injustice overseen by previous governments that has left millions living in fear of losing their homes.

“For decades, the scales have been tipped against tenants. Now, we’re levelling the playing field between renters and landlords.

“We are tearing down the walls of injustice in the private rented sector and building a future where tenants are protected, respected and empowered.

“This is a historic moment for renters across the country and we’re proud to deliver it.”

This is the change millions were promised and never received under the Conservatives. Labour is delivering it – a fair deal for renters and a foundation for a better Britain.

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£80 Million Funding Boost to Help People in Erith and Thamesmead Get Back into Work

Erith and Thamesmead residents are set to benefit from a major new £80 million funding package aimed at helping people overcome barriers to employment and get back into work, local MP Abena Oppong-Asare has announced.

The funding forms part of the Government’s Inactivity Trailblazer programme, which is designed to support people facing complex challenges such as poor mental health, low skills, or barriers like social isolation. The Greater London Authority will receive £20 million to deliver three London-based Trailblazers, including in areas that cover Erith and Thamesmead through the Local London partnership.

Local communities will be empowered to deliver tailored, joined-up employment and wellbeing support – including confidence-building groups, mental health services, and skills training – to help residents move closer to work and achieve financial independence.

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

“This funding is welcome news for people in Erith and Thamesmead who want to get back into work but face real challenges doing so.

“By investing in community-led support – from mental health and wellbeing services to skills development and job readiness – we can make a real difference to local people’s lives.

“I’ll continue working to ensure this funding – part of the Government’s Plan for Change – reaches those who need it most and delivers lasting opportunities for our community.”

This builds on the early successes of the Trailblazers in Denbighshire and Blaenau Gwent which have seen the creation of wellbeing and resilience support alongside the provision of essential skills including self-confidence building, motivation, problem solving and teamwork.

This investment is central to the Government’s Plan for Change mission to break down barriers to opportunity and kickstart economic growth by getting Britain working again.

This investment in the Local London area – which includes Bexley, Greenwich, and surrounding boroughs – will allow more residents across Erith and Thamesmead constituency to access personalised support and training, helping to boost local growth and improve living standards.

Find out more information on the Government’s webpage here.

Abena in Erith
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Abena Oppong-Asare MP Welcomes Commitment to Keep Plumstead Police Station Front Counter Open

Local MP for Erith and Thamesmead, Abena Oppong-Asare, has welcomed the news that Plumstead Police Station’s front counter will remain open, following strong community opposition to its proposed closure.

Since the proposals were announced over the summer, Abena has been engaging directly with local residents who expressed deep concerns about the plans.

The local MP made strong representations to the Metropolitan Police and the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, conveying residents’ concerns and stressing the importance of retaining a visible, accessible point of contact for policing in Plumstead.

Yesterday [15 October], the Metropolitan Police confirmed that 27 front counters across London will now remain open following public consultation, including right here in Plumstead.

Abena Oppong-Asare MP said:

“Residents made clear how important it is to keep Plumstead Police Station open and accessible.

“It was important for me to make representations to the Met Police and the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime and I’m delighted that they have listened and confirmed the front counter in Plumstead will stay open.

“This is a positive outcome for local residents and a real example of the community’s voice being heard.”

The updated plan means seven more front counters will stay open than originally proposed, as part of the Met’s efforts to make tough choices to close a £260 million funding gap while maintaining public access to policing services.

More information is available via the Metropolitan Police Newsroom: https://news.met.police.uk/news/met-police-progress-in-closing-ps260m-funding-gap-502211

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Bexley Families to Benefit from £150,259 Labour Government Investment

MP for Erith and Thamesmead, has today celebrated the great win announced to bring family and community services back to Bexley.

Having been elected on a manifesto to transform life chances by improving children’s start in life, Abena Oppong-Asare MP has pressed the Labour government to ‘rebuild’ Sure Start style services in Bexley – an area lacking in any provision of this type following cuts to services following the election of the Conservatives in 2010. That left thousands of parents cut off from vital community support networks and specialist services – left to navigate the challenges of parenthood alone – as well as a devastating impact on children’s life chances, with early development, wellbeing and future attainment all in jeopardy.

Yesterday (14 October), the Labour government announced grants provided to local authorities to ensure every community has a Best Start Family Hub. 1,000 Best Start Family Hubs are to be rolled out across the country by April 2026 to provide wide-ranging help for families, such as parenting and early development – including £150,259 in Bexley.

Labour’s Best Start Family Hubs will act as a one stop shop for parents seeking a range of support, including on difficulty breastfeeding, housing issues or children’s early development and language, reassuring families that they have convenient access to support in their local area or can be efficiently connected to specialist local services.

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said:

“It’s the driving mission of this government to break the link between a child’s background and what they go on to achieve – our new Best Start Family Hubs will put the first building blocks of better life chances in place for more children.

“I saw firsthand how initiatives like Sure Start helped level the playing field, transforming the lives of children by putting in place family support in the earliest years of life, and as part of our Plan for Change, we’re building on its legacy for the next generation of children.  

“Making sure hard-working parents are able to benefit from more early help is a promise made, and promise kept – delivering a lifeline of consistent support across the nation, ensuring health, social care and education work in unison to ensure all children get the best start in life.”

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

“I’m so pleased that my commitment at the General Election to bring back family services to Bexley has been a success, helping to give local children the best start in life.

“This is the difference a Labour MP working with a Labour government can do for children and families in our area.

“This £150,259 investment to open a local Best Start family hub will be transformative – alongside government-funded childcare and new free breakfast clubs right here in our community, we are delivering on our Plan for Change.”

Bexley’s new Best Start Family Hub will complement the Labour Government’s wider efforts to make family life easier and ease pressure on parents — including expanding free childcare to 30 hours, extending school-based nursery places, and introducing free breakfast clubs in every primary school.

Earlier this year, the first phase of the breakfast club rollout included two local schools in Erith and Thamesmead — Jubilee Primary and Willow Bank Primary. Abena Oppong-Asare MP recently visited pupils taking part in these clubs and heard first-hand how valuable a good start to the day can be.

September also saw the launch of the Labour government’s digital service, www.beststartinlife.gov.uk, a new national digital hub linked NHS services to offer trusted advice and connect to support.

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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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