Councils to receive housing support for vulnerable people

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has announced that 274 councils are set to receive housing support for vulnerable people.

Providing interim accommodation and support as part of the government's commitment to end rough sleeping, the funding of £91.5 million will also help people into the private rented sector, secure interim accommodation such as supported housing, and assess the wider support these people need in order to rebuild their lives.

An additional £13.5 million fund will be used to enable local authorities to tackle new or emerging challenges.

Applications are also now being considered for a further £161 million fund intended to provide over 3,300 additional supported homes this year for those sleeping rough or currently housed in emergency accommodation.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “The incredible national effort to support rough sleepers during the pandemic has protected many lives and is widely regarded as one of the most successful programmes of its kind in the world. I’m hugely grateful to all those involved. This funding will ensure that vulnerable people and rough sleepers continue to have safe accommodation and the care and support they need, to ensure as few as possible return to the streets.”

Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing, Kelly Tolhurst added: “This funding will make a difference to many thousands of vulnerable peoples’ lives, continuing to help them address complex needs, and to rebuild their lives, away from the streets in safer interim accommodation. I want to commend the Rough Sleeping Taskforce, council, providers and partners for the support they’ve provided so far.  Together, we’re providing the support required to end rough sleeping and break the cycle of homelessness once and for all.”