Statement on “midnight tent crushing”

Many people have been shocked at allegations in the local media that the tents and possessions of some homelessness people have been confiscated by unknown agents.

We would like to make it clear this work was not carried out by the Labour-run MK Council.

It is repugnant to treat anyone like this at any time, let alone vulnerable people at night.

MK Council DO NOT evict people from tents and have never done so. They do collect empty tents but they have not collected one since July. MK Council support staff would not work at night doing something like this.

It is believed that the evictions took place on private land. MK Council are looking into the issue.

Tackling all forms of homelessness is our top priority, including more support for rough sleepers. Last month the Labour cabinet were the first in the country to bring forward action on new measures to help all homeless people, including more support and emergency beds for people sleeping rough.

The Council have had reports from their support workers that homeless people are not engaging with services that could help them as they fear they will be evicted. Please pass on the facts that MK Council are there to support and help rough sleepers and will continue to do so.

Links: Article in MK Citizen is here: http://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/news/moonlight-tent-crushing-mystery-hits-homeless-in-milton-keynes-1-7637540