£174 million to provide homes for 2,900 rough sleepers

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has announced that rough sleepers across the country will be supported off the streets and into long-term homes with £174 million funding boost.

The funding, which forms part of the government’s Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme, will create over 2,900 move-on homes between 2021 and 2024 as part of the £433 million programme. The housing provided includes refurbished flats from unlettable homes in disrepair and new build properties, converted hotels and schools.

The accommodation will be provided with specially-trained support workers – often from homelessness charities such as St. Mungo’s – who will be offering treatment for mental health issues and substance misuse to help long-term rough sleepers and newly homeless people remain in their tenancies and into employment or training.

Areas benefitting from the funding include: Bristol; Liverpool; London; and Nottingham.

Councils across England are invited to bid for funding for the remainder of the programme as part of a total investment of £433 million in safe, long-term, stable and supported housing for rough sleepers.

Minister for Housing and Rough Sleeping Eddie Hughes said: “One person sleeping rough on our streets is one too many, and more is needed to help people who find themselves in this terrible situation. That’s why I’m delighted to announce this funding for the Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme, which is supporting people to access housing and, crucially, specialist support to rebuild their lives and become independent again.

“This government does not just want to make a dent in the number of rough sleepers – we want to end rough sleeping for good, and through innovative programmes like this we’re on track to ensure no one is forced to spend a night on the streets.”