SUPPORT given to helping the homeless during the Covid-19 pandemic has been praised by the Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing, Luke Hall MP, during a private visit to BCP Council.

BCP Council says the Minister chose to visit Bournemouth after "citing the excellent approach taken during lockdown in supporting some of our most vulnerable people."

The council set up assessment hubs within local hotels for those sleeping rough to enable them to access health and other support services.

As a result of the work undertaken, BCP Council says, significant numbers of people have successfully moved into more settled accommodation rather than return to life on the streets.

Councillor Kieron Wilson, portfolio holder for housing, BCP Council, said: “We are delighted the Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing chose to visit us and recognised the exemplary work that we have undertaken here to support our most vulnerable members of society, which forms part of our vision in supporting fulfilled lives and the right of everyone to be safe and live independently."

The Minister toured an example of the accommodation used to temporarily house those sleeping rough and met with residents who had benefitted from the support received. He also engaged in a round table discussion with chief executive Graham Farrant, housing portfolio holder councillor Kieron Wilson and key housing officers.