Alliance housing spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has urged the Minister for Communities to commit funding to protect people experiencing homelessness in Northern Ireland, following the Prime Minister's summit on rough sleeping. Armstrong, the Chair of the All-Party Group on Homelessness and Strangford MLA, said coordinated action is needed as winter nears.

The Strangford MLA said: "The summit on rough sleeping hosted by the Prime Minister today is an important reminder of the stark realities of sleeping rough. It is vital that we provide people with the opportunity and support they need to get off the street, especially coming into the colder winter months. "There is now a national impetus to help rough sleepers off the streets, and Northern Ireland can lead by example in our response. We demonstrated during the Covid pandemic that it is possible to provide accommodation at a larger scale, and I want us to be ambitious about what we can do for those sleeping rough. We need all relevant authorities and organisations to come together to identify sustainable, long-term solutions, including access to support networks.

"Any investment to help homeless people must be used in the most effective way possible and in partnership with the voluntary and community sector, who are experienced in delivering emergency accommodation during severe weather emergencies. These charities make lifes-aving arrangements while many of us watch storms from the safety of our homes. Their staff are out in freezing and wet conditions helping rough sleepers to find somewhere to escape the weather, and I want to pay tribute to their work and commitment.

"I look forward to continuing my engagement with the sector and colleagues to ensure that tackling homelessness is a priority for the Minister."