Classification: OFFICIAL
Dear Cllr Ioannou,
Thank you for your enquiry regarding the rough sleeping in Southgate.
I can confirm that we became aware of this couple on 21 December 2021. Our Outreach Service visited the site on the same day, and offered them emergency accommodation and support. We have visited them very regularly since, including this morning (08 March 2022), and I would like to reassure you that we have offered accommodation and support on each visit.
Unfortunately, many rough sleepers have complex needs, and some rough sleepers consistently refuse offers of accommodation and support.
We will continue to visit this couple regularly in order to carry out welfare checks, and we will continue our efforts encourage them to accept offers of accommodation and support. This may involve enforcement activity as appropriate.
Malcolm Dabbs will update you on progress as we persist with trying to secure solutions.