MP pleased with increase of £287,485 for Basildon Council
John Baron MP is pleased that the Government is giving nearly £220 million to councils across the country to help deliver over 800 homes for rough sleepers and help prevent families from becoming homeless. This brings the total invested by the Government to tackle homelessness and end rough sleeping to £2.4bn.
The Government announced today that Basildon Borough Council is being given a grant of £1,304,867 for 2024-25 which has been increased by £287,485 from £1,017,382.
Nationally the further funding includes:
- £107 million to provide more than 800 homes for rough sleepers. The money is being made available immediately to councils to purchase or rent properties to give rough sleepers a safe space to stay whilst they rebuild their lives off the streets.
- A £109 million boost to the Homelessness Prevention Grant, the funding can be used by councils to prevent evictions before they occur or fund temporary accommodation. Bringing the total fund to £1.2 billion, with more than 160,000 people supported since the scheme opened in 2022.
- A further £6 million to boost the number off-street spaces for rough sleepers in winter, to provide warm and safe places to sleep and access services.
John said,
“I welcome Basildon Council receiving this extra money in order to help rough sleepers and to prevent homelessness.
“We must continue with our ‘prevention first’ approach which focuses on preventing people from sleeping rough in the first place. I also understand that rough sleeping is not an easy issue to solve – with some struggling with substance and alcohol misuse issues, which themselves may be a result of trauma.”
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Felicity Buchan MP said:
“We are working alongside councils and charities to do all we can to help rough sleepers off the streets and to prevent homelessness.
“Today’s announcement brings the total funding to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping to an unprecedented £2.4 billion, meaning we can help thousands of the most vulnerable people and give them the support they need to rebuild their lives.”
Ends
Word Count: 357
Date: 1st March 2024
Notes to Editors:
- Nearly £220 million given to councils across the country to help deliver over 800 homes for rough sleepers and help prevent families from becoming homeless (GOV.UK, 28/02/24, accessed 28/02/24)
- Over £17 million to help rough sleepers into long term housing as cold weather bites. Money to provide more bed spaces for areas most in need. (GOV.UK, 15/01/24, accessed 28/02/24)
- People at risk of homelessness will be helped into stable, long-term accommodation thanks to nearly £150 million of government funding. (GOV.UK, 28/11/23, accessed 28/02/24)
- Rough sleepers to access a safe place to stay and vital support to help turn their lives around as funding is given to 26 ‘night shelters’ across England. (GOV.UK, 29/09/23, accessed 28/02/24)
