Homeless Link on the Advisory Panel for the Rough Sleeping Support Service Review

14 Dec 2021 01:58 PM

On behalf of our members, Homeless Link has agreed to contribute to the Review and sit on the Advisory Panel, alongside representatives of government, local authorities, the migration and homelessness sectors.

The Rough Sleeping Support Service (RSSS) was introduced in 2018 to provide an information-sharing link between local authorities, homelessness providers and the Home Office with a view to helping non-UK nationals facing homelessness to resolve their immigration status.  

However, the Service has not been widely used. Concerns have been expressed by local authorities, providers and individuals about a lack of transparency around the use of data shared via the RSSS and the potential for negative outcomes for individuals as a consequence of it. As a result, the Home Office and DLUHC have announced a Review of the RSSS, starting from December 2021.  

On behalf of our members, Homeless Link has agreed to contribute to the Review and sit on the Advisory Panel, alongside representatives of government, local authorities, the migration and homelessness sectors.  

We hope that the wide-ranging Review will lead to the delivery of a safe and transparent mechanism – underpinned by informed consent - to obtain immigration information and expedite the cases on behalf of people facing homelessness.  

We have already been engaging with members to inform our input to the Review. However, if you have anything to share about your organisation's use of the RSSS, or choice not to engage with it, then please contact Jennie. 

If you would like to book a place on a RSSS Review workshop in January 2022 please contact the review team.