The Government has been urged to ensure all rough sleepers are housed during the third national lockdown.

Chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee, Clive Betts, called on the Government to resume the Everyone In programme.

Mr Betts said: 'Last March the Government saved hundreds of lives by bringing Everyone In off the streets.

'It should think again on its decision not to reinstate this programme.

'They should be doing all they can to protect rough sleepers once again by bringing together local authorities and charities to make sure everyone has safe accommodation.'

Labour also warned it was ‘irresponsible' of the Government not to house rough sleepers in the new lockdown.

Shadow housing secretary, Thangam Debbonaire, said: ‘Labour has been calling for protection for rough sleepers for months.

'The Government has asked everyone to stay at home, at the same time as they turn their back on people without a home.

'This broken promise will cost lives.'

But a Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: ‘We will do everything in our power to prevent people from finding themselves sleeping rough or homeless this winter and that remains the policy of the Government.

'The ongoing Everyone In campaign is protecting thousands of lives.

'We're ensuring councils and voluntary organisations have the tools and funding they need.'