Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, has welcomed the news that Gosport and Fareham Borough Councils are 2 of the 274 councils set to receive a share of £91.5 million.
Both Councils have been working throughout the pandemic to support and house rough sleepers, and offer them local accommodation to get them off the streets.
Gosport Borough Council have been using self-contained temporary accommodation units in Walpole Park car park for people who need emergency housing in the current crisis and all known rough sleepers have been provided with local accommodation. Fareham Borough Council has also sourced local accommodation for all known rough sleepers and the Outreach Team will continue to patrol the streets to identify and assist any further rough sleepers that may come to Fareham.
The Government has announced that an extra £91.5 million will be allocated through the Next Steps Accommodation Programme as part of the government’s landmark commitment to end rough sleeping for good. An additional £13.5 million fund will help local authorities deal with new and emerging challenges as they arise.
Caroline commented:
“Both Fareham and Gosport Borough Councils have done fantastic work to support our most vulnerable local residents throughout the pandemic and ensure they have somewhere to sleep.
“I am pleased that the Government is continuing to recognise their efforts and help fund their continued work. I really hope that the lessons learnt through the pandemic and success of local accommodation schemes will help end rough sleeping for good.”
Secretary of State for Housing, Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said:
“The incredible national effort to support rough sleepers during the pandemic has protected many lives and is widely regarded as one of the most successful programmes of its kind in the world. I’m hugely grateful to all those involved.
“This funding will ensure that vulnerable people and rough sleepers continue to have safe accommodation and the care and support they need, to ensure as few as possible return to the streets.”