STORY
The Government has announced a £442 million Rough Sleeping Programme intended to ensure that everyone sleeping on the streets is offered accommodation and support before Christmas. Homelessness Minister Florence Eshalomi said the programme would combine urgent winter provision with longer-term help for people who have experienced persistent rough sleeping.
Local services will be able to provide accommodation alongside tailored assistance with mental health, substance use, employment, training and maintaining a tenancy. Part of the investment is expected to deliver more than 1,000 settled homes with intensive support for people who have the most complex needs.
Funding will be concentrated in areas experiencing the greatest pressure, with mayoral strategic authorities and councils given flexibility to design local services. Guidance also requires accessible provision for women, who may be underrepresented in official figures and face particular risks of violence and exploitation. An additional £8.1 million will take the Ending Homelessness in Communities Fund to £47 million, while total Government investment in homelessness and rough sleeping services over three years will exceed £4 billion.