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The number of new council homes being built is not able to keep pace with those sold under Right to Buy, and the discounts available, along with the funds that have to be returned to Treasury, are leaving councils with less and less resources to catch up.

“It is good the Government is providing further additional funding to tackle rough sleeping, but it is likely that councils will need further financial support in the difficult weeks and months ahead to move people into safe and secure housing."

Responding for the LGA Cllr David Renard, LGA housing spokesperson, said: “Everyone deserves a safe, decent, warm and affordable place to live, this is critical to the health and wellbeing of communities.

“As we come out of the pandemic, we are keen to work with government on a long-term plan to give renters the safeguards and protections they need to help them stay in their homes, in as many cases as possible."

"This should, for now, reassure worried tenants and allay the serious concerns councils have had over the potential risk of homelessness some private renters may have faced."

Responding to the Government’s building safety announcement, Lord Porter, the Local Government Association’s building safety spokesman, said: “Residents have a right to be safe and feel safe in their own homes. This is even more important during the current coronavirus pandemic, as so many people are confined to their homes. “The Government’s announcement that the remediation of cladding remains a top priority is positive news, and industry and duty-holders now need to step up and deliver the work required. Leaseholders, who are facing a triple whammy of mortgage refusals, spiralling

“It is positive to see social rent retained in the definition of affordable housing – as called for by the LGA - although the definition should be clearer in separating social rent from ‘affordable’ rent which is often not accessible for people on lower incomes."

“Our residents are clear – new homes in their communities have to be affordable, high-quality, and supported by adequate infrastructure and sustainable local services."

Local Government Association Chairman, Lord Porter, responds to the Government’s consultation on strengthening fire testing for cladding systems on residential buildings.

“As we enter this second national lockdown, councils will continue to do everything they can to accommodate new rough sleepers during the winter as well as support those already off the streets into safe, long-term accommodation with the appropriate support."