I am pleased that the Government has announced additional support for rough sleepers this winter, giving local areas the tools they need to protect people from life-threatening cold weather and the risks posed by COVID-19.
Today’s announcement further builds on the existing package of support and funding that has been given to local councils to help them manage the impacts of COVID-19, which Ministers have been clear includes their work to support rough sleepers. This additional support has been developed with Public Health England, Homeless Link and Housing Justice, which gives local areas a range of levers to support vulnerable rough sleepers as we approach winter.
This includes:
- A new £10 million Cold Weather Fund for local areas to bring forward COVID-secure accommodation this winter;
- Working intensively with the areas in greatest need, in recognition of the particular challenges they face;
- A new £2 million fund for the faith, communities and voluntary sector to bring forward COVID-secure accommodation;
- Comprehensive guidance to the sector produced with Public Health England and Homeless Link – the umbrella organisation for homelessness charities – to help them open shelters more safely, where not doing so would endanger lives.
Read more detail in the letter published today by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, which I will be highlighting to Sutton Night Watch, the fantastic homeless charity in our Borough, so they can apply for money from the new fund.