Local MP Caroline Dinenage has welcomed news today that the Government is giving local councils further funds to tackle homelessness, totalling £46 million. The funding is aimed at getting rough sleepers into safe accommodation, investing in night shelters and hostel spaces.
The further £46 million for the Rough Sleeping Initiative fund will support those sleeping rough in 246 local authorities across England, including £59 850 for Fareham Borough Council and £350 000 for Portsmouth City Council. It will provide for new staff including specialist mental health staff, substance misuse workers and dedicated co-ordinators to drive efforts to reduce rough sleeping. This includes 110 rough sleeping coordinators, 3000 outreach workers, over 1400 new emergency bed spaces, over 700 new long-term beds and over £2.5 million for spot-purchasing beds and increasing access to accommodation.
This follows on from news last week that £1 million will be given to help veterans or are, or at risk of becoming, homeless.
Caroline commented:
“We have a responsibility to care for the most vulnerable in society, and I am pleased to see that the Government is continuing to act on its commitment to end rough sleeping by 2027. Gosport has worked hard to help rough sleepers, currently eleven individuals of concern have been identified by the Homeless Action Group all of whom have been seen by the organisation. However just one individual on the street is too many, and we shall continue to work with the Government and local organisations to get people the support they need.”