A MAJOR £217,000 cash injection to help the city council get rough sleepers off the streets and into accommodation has been welcomed by Worcester MP Robin Walker.
This additional funding for Worcester City forms part of the Government’s £100million plan to end rough sleeping by 2027.
This strategy in conjunction with homeless charities aims to prevent rough sleeping by providing timely support to those at risk, by intervening to help people already on the streets get support, and helping people recover, find a new home quickly and rebuild lives.
City council staff will be able to provide vulnerable people across Worcester with the specialist support they need, helping rough sleepers into accommodation, increasing existing capacity and providing new temporary accommodation, including night shelters and hostel spaces.
Worcester City Council will also be able to use this funding for additional staff to provide vulnerable rough sleepers with the advice and specialist support they need.
“Alongside local ideas such as the excellent Worcester Cares Campaign, this can make a real difference and tackle an issue that I have been raising on behalf of constituents,” Mr Walker said.
“No one should ever have to face a night on the streets and the Government is committed to ending rough sleeping for good. This funding ensures support is focused where it is most needed.”
“I have long campaigned for more affordable living and was proud to back the Homelessness Reduction Act last year and this funding will add to that intervention,” he said.
Communities Secretary James Brokenshire MP said: “The £100 million-backed Rough Sleeping Strategy sets out this government’s blueprint for ending rough sleeping for good.”
“We are taking the necessary steps to make that happen, already providing 2,600 additional beds and 750 more support staff for the most vulnerable people in our society.”
“But we must keep up the momentum and that’s why we are giving this funding to areas and projects that need it, ensuring progress continues to be made and people are given the help they need to turn their lives around.”
