Extra money to help councils provide homes for people at risk of homelessness doesn’t go far enough; what’s needed is a massive boost in supply of social housing, says the Local Government Association (LGA).
Yesterday, housing and homelessness minister, Felicity Buchan announced over £220m is being allocated to councils across the country to help deliver over 800 homes for rough sleepers, or for families who face the prospect of becoming homeless.
Buchan said: “We are working alongside councils and charities to do all we can to help rough sleepers off the streets and to prevent homelessness.
“[This] announcement brings the total funding to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping to an unprecedented £2.4bn, meaning we can help thousands of the most vulnerable people and give them the support they need to rebuild their lives.”
But the LGA said that while the extra allocations for the Homelessness Prevention Grant is welcome, more is needed.
Councillor Darren Rodwell, the organisation’s housing spokesperson, said: “The funding announced is a positive step towards tackling the homelessness pressures facing councils. However, wider pressures such as cost of living, national asylum and resettlement schemes, and a lack of affordable homes continue to drive homelessness increases and put pressure on council budgets.
“Building more genuinely affordable homes remains the best way to help families struggling to meet housing costs, provide homes to rent, reduce homelessness and tackle council housing waiting lists in the long term.
“We urge government to build on these announcements by implementing our six-point plan to give local government the powers and funding to deliver thousands of social homes a year.”
According to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC), the funding boost targets those areas deemed most in need, and includes specialist support for those who require support with mental health or substance abuse.
The further funding includes:
- £107m to provide more than 800 homes for rough sleepers. The money is being made available immediately to councils to purchase or rent properties to give rough sleepers a safe space to stay whilst they rebuild their lives off the streets
- A £109m boost to the Homelessness Prevention Grant, the funding can be used by councils to prevent evictions before they occur or fund temporary accommodation. Bringing the total fund to £1.2bn
- A further £6m to boost the number off-street spaces for rough sleepers in winter, to provide warm and safe places to sleep and access services.
Image credit: RDK2001 – Shutterstock
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