By Charlotte Webster-
The UK government has announced a significant injection of over £220 million in funding to provide vital support to vulnerable individuals and families.
This funding aims to prevent homelessness, assist rough sleepers, and provide essential services to those in need.
The Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Felicity Buchan,(pictured) unveiled the funding boost, which targets areas in the country most in need and includes specialist support for the most vulnerable individuals requiring mental health or substance misuse assistance.
Homelessness has fluctuated over the years despite promises by the government to drastically reduce it. The cost of living crisis has made increased homelessness in certain parts of the UK.
An estimated 12,537 households in Wales were assessed as homeless or owed a duty by local authorities to help them secure accommodation between April 2022 and March 2023- a 7% increase on 2021-22.
A total of 11,185 individuals were also reported to be in temporary accommodation in Wales as of August 2023. Over 3,000 people were homeless in England in June 2023
This comprehensive funding package includes several key initiatives, including:
£107 million for Rough Sleeper Housing: More than 800 homes will be provided for rough sleepers, offering immediate accommodation to help them rebuild their lives off the streets.
£109 million Homelessness Prevention Grant: This grant empowers councils to prevent evictions before they occur or provide temporary accommodation, totaling £1.2 billion since its inception in 2022 and supporting over 160,000 individuals.
£6 million for Off-Street Spaces: Additional funding will create warm and safe places for rough sleepers during winter, ensuring access to vital services.
This latest announcement brings the total government investment to £2.4 billion over three years (2022-25), which the government says signals a concerted effort to tackle homelessness and eradicate rough sleeping.
Minister Buchan emphasized the collaborative approach between the government, councils, and charities to provide support to those in need and facilitate their transition away from life on the streets.
Several councils across the UK will benefit from this funding, with London boroughs receiving a combined £38 million for extra homes, beds, and specialist services.
Sheffield City Council will receive over £3 million, including the provision of 10 properties for individuals with a history of rough sleeping, while the City of Liverpool will receive over £2 million to deliver 20 homes for single homeless young people.
Government departments are actively engaging with the homelessness sector and local authorities to implement tailored solutions to address the specific challenges in each area.
Initiatives such as the Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme, Rough Sleeping Drug and Alcohol Treatment Grant, and accommodation support for ex-offenders underscore the multifaceted approach to tackling homelessness.
This funding boost comes as part of the government’s broader strategy to combat homelessness and end rough sleeping for good.