The UK Government has responded to the reported closure of hotels which were providing local authority accommodation for homeless people by asking them to re-open.
Although hotels, hostels and B&Bs going about normal business are required to close, Luke Hall MP (Minister for Local Government and Homelessness) has clarified that there are exceptions, such as providing accommodation to key workers and vulnerable people.
In particular, where hotels, hostels, and B&Bs are providing rooms to support homeless people, through arrangements with local authorities and other public bodies, he was at pains to point they should remain open. It was also permissible to keep rooms open to provide for frontline homelessness workers who are included in the "key worker" category.
Official guidance has been updated today to make these exceptions clear.
Mr Hall MP stated "If you have closed services for homeless people today as a result of the measures announced this week, I would be very grateful if you could reverse these decisions as soon as possible."
I want to make clear that where hotels, hostels, and B&Bs are providing rooms to support homeless people, through arrangements with local authorities and other public bodies, they should remain open. Rooms may also be provided to frontline homelessness workers who are included in the key worker category.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/875654/Luke_Hall_MP_-_Letter_to_Hotel_Chief_Executives.pdf
Want to hear more from us? 
