Vulnerable people who were housed during the COVID-19 pandemic will be helped to stay in accommodation this year thanks to funding announced by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick.
Five councils across the West of England have secured a total of £516,634 to ensure interim accommodation and support for the most vulnerable people.
Bath and North East Somerset has received the most in the area, with £255,000, followed by Somerset West and Taunton (£167,000).
South Somerset (£54,634), North Somerset (£25,000) and Mendip (£15,000) have also secured funding.
The money will help people into the private rented sector, secure interim accommodation such as supported housing and assess the wider support these people need to rebuild their lives.
In the South West, 23 councils will receive a total of £7.4million via the Next Steps Accommodation Programme, which is part of the government’s commitment to end rough sleeping for good.
Across the country, 274 councils will share a total of £91.5million.
Mr Jenrick 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 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.”
An additional £13.5million fund will be used to enable local authorities to tackle new or emerging challenges.
Separately, applications are now being considered for a further £161 million fund intended to provide over 3,300 additional supported homes this year for those sleeping rough or currently housed in emergency accommodation.
The bidding has now closed and details on successful bids will be announced in due course.
This is part of broader support to provide 6,000 such homes over four years.
Kelly Tolhurst, Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing, said: “This funding will make a difference to many thousands of vulnerable people’s lives, continuing to help them address complex needs and rebuild their lives, away from the streets in safer interim accommodation.
“I want to commend the Rough Sleeping Taskforce, councils, providers and partners for the support they’ve provided so far.
“Together, we’re providing the support required to end rough sleeping and break the cycle of homelessness once and for all.”
