That this House notes with concern the rising levels of homelessness across the UK and in Wiltshire, where at least 500 people are recorded as homeless, including those rough sleeping, in temporary accommodation or hostels, and where the number of households in temporary accommodation has increased by around 70 per cent in the past year; welcomes the repeal of the Vagrancy Act 1824, which previously criminalised homelessness; commends the work of Doorway, a charity based in Wiltshire providing hot meals, showers, clean clothing and a safe space for those in need, treating every person with dignity and compassion; further notes initiatives to bring together homelessness service providers across Wiltshire to deliver a joined-up response rooted in local realities; and calls on the Government to ensure sustainable funding for homelessness services, support collaborative working among providers, and enable local authorities to meet their duties to prevent and reduce homelessness.
