A Harrow MP is championing a new law aimed at tackling homelessness.

Bob Blackman, MP for Harrow East and member of the Communities and Local Government (CLG) Select Committee, announced today that he will use his Private Member’s Bill to combat rough sleeping across the country.

After being offered the opportunity to try to put through his own legislation, Mr Blackman was contacted with numerous suggestions.

However, after consulting with Harrow housing charities including FirmFoundation and the Harrow Churches Housing Association, he decided to work with national homelessness charity Crisis in an attempt to remedy the issue.

“During the CLG Committee’s recent inquiry into homelessness, I heard disturbing first-hand accounts from people who’d been forced to sleep on the streets because they couldn’t get the help they needed,” he said.

“We cannot stand by and allow this to continue. That’s why I’m calling on my fellow MPs to help put an end to this injustice once and for all by supporting my Bill.

“It’s not a cure all, but it will be a major step forward in tackling homelessness. I served in local government for 24 years before becoming an MP and I have seen at first-hand the importance of taking action to combat homelessness.”

A report released today by the Greater London Authority showed a seven per cent rise in rough sleeping in the capital.

The Homelessness Reduction Bill draws on the expertise and recommendations of an expert panel of representatives, lawyers and housing experts, and will aim to support councils across the country in preventing homelessness.