FURTHER to my letter (Craven Herald letters, November 26) it appears that there was some good news for local authorities in last week’s spending review to the tune of “£254 million of additional resource funding ... to support rough sleepers and those at risk of homelessness during Covid-19.” (Spending Review 2020: On-the-Day Briefing - local.gov.uk).

Whilst this may be welcome it does nothing to build confidence that the Government has a long term plan to tackle the root causes of homelessness.

On the contrary, short termism and crisis management are clearly still the order of the day. This is demonstrated by the fact that the Chancellor hasn’t yet made any commitment to formalise the temporary enhancements to Universal Credit and Housing Benefit brought in during the pandemic, but has instead put a virtual freeze on benefits.

Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association seems to agree: “Whilst the Chancellor has spoken about the need to support those who find themselves homeless, it would be much better for all concerned to provide the funds needed to sustain tenancies in the first place.” (wired-net.gov 26/11/20).

Nothing concrete is being done to mend the gaping holes in the housing safety net which have developed during the last 10 years of Conservative administration, nor to rebuild the homelessness prevention services such as drug, alcohol and mental health support which they have recklessly allowed to decay.

By taking this route rather than reviving the “Everyone In” scheme as it was urged to do by Labour and the homeless charities, the Government has once again shown that it is not listening to advice on appropriate solutions from people who know what is needed.

Yes, it has avoided having to make yet another embarrassing u-turn. However, performing a clumsy reversal up a cul de sac is hardly progress.

Amanda Caven

Skipton