Government announces £174m to house 2,900 rough sleepers

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 access employment or training.

Councils across England are invited to bid for funding for the final part of the programme.

Eddie Hughes, minister for housing and rough sleeping, said: “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.

“The government is working closely with leading housing associations and local authorities to fast-track thousands of homes and bring rough sleepers off the streets for good.”

Councils already granted funding include: 

• Bedford: The council will purchase 10 open market properties that will provide independent living and support to rough sleepers with the highest need
• Nottingham: 35 homes available for rough sleepers across a number of schemes, including the purchase and repair of 15 homes close to the city centre
• London: Southwark Council has purchased 20 self-contained flats specifically for rough sleepers and former rough sleepers
• Bristol: More than 80 homes across the city will be provided for rough sleepers, including eight modular properties in partnership with the Salvation Army
• Liverpool: Rough sleepers will move into more than 100 homes close to the city centre
• West Lindsey: The council will purchase six homes in the towns of Gainsborough and Market Rasen