Extra funding for emergency homelessness fund

The government has announced an extra £30 million for Winter Pressures Funding.

The funding will help people on the brink of homelessness with support to remain in their homes.

The boost brings the total Winter Pressures Funding for homelessness and rough sleeping to £60 million this year.

The extra £30 million for homelessness services is targeted at 295 areas that are facing the highest risks of homelessness through housing costs and rent arrears.

The money will be given to councils to step in early and keep people in their homes before eviction notices are served, or support people off the streets into accommodation.

It is hoped the emergency funding will result in fewer people reaching crisis point and ending up on the streets, which will in turn free up resources and ease demand on social services, healthcare and emergency housing teams.

Last year, 146,360 households turned to their council for help, with many on the brink of eviction whether from a sudden job loss, a health emergency, an unexpected bill, or a relationship breakdown.  

The boost brings the total Winter Pressures Funding for homelessness and rough sleeping to £60 million this year.

Minister for Homelessness, Rushanara Ali said: “No one should be forced live in constant fear of losing their home and too many people are being pushed to the brink of homelessness as a direct consequence of the system we’ve inherited.

“That’s why I’m providing an extra £30 million in emergency support for councils– taking real, immediate action to stop people falling through the cracks, stay in their homes, and help them rebuild their lives.

“Our Plan for Change is tackling the worst housing crisis in a generation by delivering the biggest boost in social and affordable housing in a generation, fixing the broken rental market and getting us back on track to end homelessness once and for all.”