Julian Knight MP has welcomed the Government’s announcement of a new, multi-million-pound fund to help prevent people from ending up on the streets.
The £25 million awarded to the Rapid Rehousing Pathway will be distributed to over 100 local authorities across the UK to help provide vital, targeted support to the most vulnerable rough sleepers.
Councils will use this investment to fund innovative local schemes aimed at supporting vulnerable people so they are able to get into stable accommodation where they will then receive the tailored care they need.
This will include:
- Somewhere Safe to Stay rough sleeping centres – where people on the streets can access professional help and guidance, including immediate shelter and mental health support.
- Navigator posts – specialist support workers who direct people to the services they need, such as counselling, housing advice services, mental health support or substance misuse services.
- Supported Lettings Schemes – helping people to secure tenancies in properties that they may not otherwise be able to access.
- Dedicated Local Letting Agencies – specialist agencies that support vulnerable people into affordable and stable accommodation.
This is part of the Government’s broader, £100-million strategy to end rough sleeping by 2027. Julian has been a staunch supporter of this agenda in Parliament, and helped to draw up and introduce the landmark Homelessness Reduction Act in 2017.
Commenting on the news, Julian Knight said:
“I’m delighted that the Government is doubling down on its commitment to bringing an end to homelessness. This new fund will support life-changing services where they’re needed most, and could make all the difference to a huge number of people.
“Helping people avoid ending up on the streets is always much easier, not to mention more cost-effective, than getting them off again, and ministers must ensure that front-line support is matched by a comprehensive prevention strategy.”
