Watford’s MP praised the work of local homelessness charities for their efforts in reducing homelessness in the area, as he calls for more long-term housing.

MP Dean Russell has been working closely with Watford Borough Council and charities such as New Hope and One YMCA to help tackle homelessness.

And following a series of successes and efforts in reducing the number of rough sleepers in town, the MP brought up the topic in the Commons.

Back in January it was declared there was a period of no verified rough sleepers on the streets of Watford, which New Hope CEO Matthew Heasman said had not happened “for a generation”.

Recently, One YMCA secured a £2.2million investment from the Government, and is committing £1.8million of its own funds to redevelop three floors of the Charter House hostel to create 34 new rooms for rough sleepers.

And the Meadowell Clinic at Watford Health Centre has also committed itself to aiding rough sleepers, with around 600 homeless and vulnerable people being invited to get Covid-19 vaccines.

These combined efforts have helped to greatly reduce the number of rough sleepers seen in Watford.

Mr Russell said: “I’d like to sincerely thank everybody that has been involved in getting people off our streets and into safe accommodation. Since being elected one of my priorities has been lobbying Government for additional funding to tackle homelessness and to help deliver brighter futures for those that have been sleeping rough.

“If we are to deliver on the promise we made in our manifesto to end rough sleeping by the end of this Parliament, then the people who have been helped need access to long-term housing that gives them security so that they can focus on rebuilding their lives.

“I am delighted that The Housing Secretary acknowledged the incredible work happening in Watford following the news that zero rough sleepers were recorded on the count, in what he described as an incredible step forward. Nevertheless, we must continue to work to ensure that this becomes the norm.”

In 2020 it was also announced that Watford Borough Council will receive an additional £1.65 million from the Government for local schemes that provide secure ‘move on’ style accommodation for people at risk of sleeping on the streets.