Norwich has 400 beds available despite visible rough sleeping camps

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 07:02 · Archive

Norwich City Council says it has over 400 accommodation spaces available for rough sleepers, yet tents remain visible across the city.

Norwich City Council has said a shortage of beds is not the reason behind the growing number of tents appearing across the city. The authority revealed it has more than 400 accommodation spaces available for homeless people, enough to house all the people sleeping on Norwich's streets.

Denise Carlo, the council's housing and community portfolio holder, said the council's specialist rough sleeper team and Pathways Norwich offer outreach and practical support, including access to accommodation, help with health or substance misuse needs, and reconnection with people's home areas. She confirmed that support is offered to everyone found sleeping rough, but the council cannot compel individuals to accept accommodation or engage with services.

The council said it cannot comment on individual cases or the reasons why people might decline help. Locals have reported seeing camps appear in new locations after being moved on and have raised concerns about antisocial behaviour and the impact on the city. Nick Taylor, chairman of Reform UK Norwich, warned the city risks becoming associated with 'encampments and tents' if rough sleeping continues to increase, arguing this could damage Norwich's reputation and tourism economy.

How it is being reported

• Tents remain across city... despite council having enough beds for rough sleepersNorwich City Council says more than 400 spaces are available to rough sleepers, despite mounting concern over the amount of tents which have become increasingly visible in Norwich. Norwich has hundreds of beds for rough sleepers. So why are tents still appearing?Norwich Evening News · 15 Oct, 06:00
• Tents remain across city... despite council having enough beds for rough sleepersNorwich City Council says more than 400 spaces are available to rough sleepers, despite mounting concern over the amount of tents which have become increasingly visible in Norwich. Norwich has hundreds of beds for rough sleepers. So why are tents still appearing?Eastern Daily Press · 15 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Norwich City Council · Denise Carlo · Pathways Norwich · Norwich · Nick Taylor · Reform UK Norwich

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