Funding boost to accommodate London's homeless

Communities Secretary James Brokenshire has announced plans for thousands of new homes to help Londoners at risk of becoming homeless.

An innovative new scheme, supported by nearly £38 million of government funding, will see the capital's boroughs collaborate to provide safe accommodation for families on the edge of homelessness, creating long-term, stable housing for vulnerable families unable to find housing elsewhere.

With all London boroughs lawfully required to provide accommodation for those at risk of homelessmes in and outside of thier area, the government has recognised the potential and examples of authorities competing for the best accomodation, slowing down provision and increasing prices in the process. The new scheme, known as Capital Letters, will help stop this from happening.

Over the next three years, the scheme is expected to help more than 35,000 households within Greater London. Currently, 11 London councils have signed up to the scheme. A not-for-profit company will be established to deliver the Capital Letters programme.

Brokenshire said: "Everyone deserves a safe and secure home. I’ve seen for myself how hard each of the London boroughs works to provide those that are homeless with the support they need and a roof over their heads.

"This radical new way of working and unprecedented collaboration between the boroughs and government will make a real difference – providing more accommodation for the vulnerable and helping them to get back on their feet and away from homelessness for good."

Darren Rodwell, London Councils’ Executive Member for Housing & Planning, added: "With so many homeless households and so little accommodation available, London faces the country’s most serious homelessness challenge.

Capital Letters is a crucial opportunity to do things differently – and we are extremely pleased to have the government’s support for this innovative work. Through collaboration, boroughs will collectively strengthen our market position and secure much better housing options for homeless Londoners."