The government has announced an extra £310m in funding for councils to help with the prevention of homelessness.
Councils will receive additional support to prevent vulnerable people becoming homeless, with the funding targeted at areas with high numbers of homeless people, those at risk of homelessness, or those living in temporary accommodation.
The government had said the funding can be used to provide financial support for people to find a new home, to work with landlords to prevent evictions, or to provide temporary accommodation to ensure families have a roof over their head.
The funding represents a portion of the c.£750m invested into tackling homelessness and rough sleeping in 2021.
The announcement builds on the ongoing ‘Everyone In’ campaign, which the government says is protecting thousands of lives during the pandemic by housing rough sleepers.
By September, the scheme had supported over 29,000 vulnerable people, with two-thirds now moved into settled accommodation.
Communities secretary Robert Jenrick said: “As we look back on an incredibly challenging year, everyone who has helped protect rough sleepers and those at risk of homelessness during this pandemic should be proud of the role they have played in our internationally recognised response.
“Today, I am announcing £310m to help councils protect those at risk of homelessness in the year ahead.
“We have a moral duty to help some of the most vulnerable people in our society rebuild their lives and look forward to a brighter future, and this funding will help us to realise that ambition.”
Minister for Housing and Rough Sleeping Kelly Tolhurst said: “All of the charities, councils, housing providers, and support groups have truly gone the extra mile this year to protect the most vulnerable in our society throughout the pandemic, and I want to wholeheartedly thank all of those who have made this possible.
“This new funding will play a vital role in helping councils provide better support to prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place as we look to end rough sleeping once and for all.”
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