Funding for rough sleepers tripled

More rough sleepers will be given a warm bed this winter as the government is tripling funding from £10m to £30m.

More support for councils

Funding will be used to create emergency accommodation in areas with high numbers of rough sleepers to keep them warm and safe during cold snaps.

Over 280 councils, including all London boroughs, will be able to provide more resources to support individuals and save lives.

What’s included?

• warm beds and hot meals
• medical treatment and support
• specialist programmes for veterans, care leavers and domestic abuse victims
• outreach staff to help with substance abuse and employment opportunities

Why it matters

Rough sleepers are more likely to experience serious health problems.

They are 8 to 12 times more likely to die early, especially from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

Government’s commitment

Minister for homelessness Rushanara Ali says the government is “more determined than ever” to tackle the issue.

She said: “Behind every sad rough sleeping statistic, there is a person who has been let down by the system for far too long.”

Ongoing efforts

The rough sleeping winter pressures funding is just one part of the government’s broader plan for change, which aims to raise living standards and boost housing.

Almost £1bn has been injected into homelessness prevention services this year, as the government works to tackle the underlying reasons behind rough sleeping.

What’s next?

There’s hope on the horizon as the government has set the wheels in motion to turn the tide on homelessness.

One of the main causes of homelessness – ‘no fault’ evictions – will be banned when the renters’ rights bill becomes law, while reforms to the right to buy scheme means councils will be able to build more social homes.

Are you at risk of homelessness?

If your landlord is trying to evict you, read our guide on what to do if you’re facing eviction and seek specialist help from one of the following organisations:

Shelter

Visit www.shelter.org.uk or your local Shelter advice service.

If you have nowhere to sleep tonight, are at risk of harm or losing your home within the next eight weeks, call the Shelter helpline on 0808 800 44 44.

Crisis

Find your local crisis centre at www.crisis.org.uk.

Citizens Advice

Visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk to find your nearest Citizens Advice centre.