Government’s pledge to build homes for rough sleepers

The government has announced more than £150 million in funding to tackle rough sleeping, allocating the funds towards building or buying more than 1,200 homes for people at risk of homelessness.

As part of the government’s Single Homelessness Accommodation programme, 46 local authorities, housing providers, and charities across England will benefit from the initiative.

The programme will also provide services to rough sleepers to address domestic violence and mental health.

A safe place to call home

Felicity Buchan, minister for housing and homelessness from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, said: “Everyone deserves a safe place to call home. This is why we are so committed to supporting the most vulnerable in our society and helping them off the streets for good.

“This funding will not only provide housing for rough sleepers but will also give tailored support to help those most in need off the streets, rebuild their lives, and begin to live independently.”

She added: “Funding has been targeted at areas where it is needed the most – this includes £9.9 million to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, over £6.4 million to Leeds County Council, and £5.2 million to Manchester Council.”

Worthing Homes in Sussex will receive £4 million to deliver 34 homes, communal rooms for group therapy, and a homeless drop-in centre.

The Homeless Action Resource Project in Southend-on-Sea will receive £3.3 million to deliver 32 homes by redeveloping and retrofitting existing properties.

A real and lasting difference

The Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development, Tom Copley, praised the initiative and said Sadiq Khan is tackling rough sleeping in the capital.

He said: “I’m extremely pleased that we’ve secured over £50 million to support local councils to build more homes and deliver vital support services to people sleeping rough in London.

“This will make a real and lasting difference for hundreds of people in our capital, ranging from those recovering from addiction to young people at risk of homelessness.

“No-one should have to sleep rough on our streets and the Mayor is doing everything in his power to ensure that everyone in this position gets the support they need.”