THE government must act to save rough sleepers facing the double threat of Covid-19 and the cold this winter, a coalition of doctors and charities warns today.

A group of 17 health and homelessness organisations including Crisis, St Mungo’s and several royal colleges has called on ministers urgently to provide socially distanced emergency housing over the winter months. 

The group fears that without more funding for councils, hundreds or even thousands of rough sleepers could end up in crowded community shelters and dorms.