Government announces funding for 1,200 new homes for rough sleepers
The government has announced nearly £150m of funding to help people with a history of rough sleeping and those at risk of homelessness into stable, long-term accommodation.
The government’s Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme is providing £148.4m of funding to 46 local authorities, housing providers, and charities across England to build or buy 1,230 homes for the most vulnerable.
According to recent government data, estimates suggest there were 2,893 people sleeping rough on a single night in England in June 2023.
The money will also fund a range of accommodation and support services for vulnerable adults, including purpose-built accommodation and supported housing, as well as helping with building repairs and renovations.
These new services also include 24/7 support for the most vulnerable, with access to specialist teams where people can address substance misuse, domestic violence and abuse or improve their wellbeing and mental health.
Felicity Buchan, minister for housing and homelessness, 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.’
The funding includes £9.9m to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, over £6.4m to Leeds County Council, and £5.2m to Manchester Council.
Worthing Homes in Sussex will receive £4m 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 £3.3m to deliver 32 homes by redeveloping and retrofitting existing properties.
London’s deputy mayor for housing and residential development, Tom Copley, said: ‘I’m extremely pleased that we’ve secured over £50m 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.’
The fifth and final bidding round for the Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme is underway now, and final allocations will be announced early next year.
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