‘Unacceptable’: Charity boss condemns council’s review of homelessness services
A Camden soup kitchen has slammed the council’s review of its rough sleeping services, accusing it of “dropping the ball” and questioning its independence.
The review, headed by Jess McGregor, executive director of adults and health, was commissioned after homeless people were forcibly removed from outside University College Hospital last year, with council contractors filmed destroying tents.
“It’s not independent […] you cannot investigate yourselves,” said Jon Glackin, founder of Streets Kitchen, a homelessness charity that provides food, clothing and advice to rough sleepers.
The review calls for “more assertive influencing of government” on rough sleeping policy and funding for services.
It also recommends further investigation into accessing temporary accommodation and hostels, and improvements to services for asylum seekers.
Councillor Patricia Callaghan said the review was “not the end of the work – but a milestone”.
“We know there is a lot more to be done to support people who sleep rough here in Camden,” she added, before saying that the council is “committed to listening and learning”.
Glackin said “we do not hear our voices” in the report, despite Streets Kitchen inform the council about the challenges faced by Camden’s homeless community.
“The bottom line is this review cannot be acceptable and is not acceptable […] we are pleading with you, asking you to work with us,” Glackin continued.
“We seem to do a lot of talking, talking, talking, and as we know, quite frankly, the numbers of people out in those streets is increasing week in and week out.”
McGregor said she it was “disappointing” that Streets Kitchen said it couldn’t see its voice in the review because council officers “spent lots of time” with the charity.
She said a draft of the review was given to all parties involved, but “Streets Kitchen didn’t give any feedback”.
She labelled this a “missed opportunity”, explaining the chance for dialogue and revisions to the draft was there.