As part of the government's 'Everyone In' plan, £700 million is being spent this year to help the homeless and those sleeping rough.
Since the start of Covid-19, the government has supported 29,000 rough sleepers and other vulnerable people into safe accommodation, and has been working with local authorities over the summer to develop tailored local plans. These include ensuring rough sleepers have more settled homes to move into, and today the Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, has announced a £150m package of measures.
North Norfolk District Council is to receive £140,000. This is on top of the £112m allocated to councils this year for the Rough Sleeping Initiative, to support the establishment or enhancement of co-ordinated local services for rough sleepers or those at risk of sleeping rough. An additional £23m will be provided so that vulnerable individuals experiencing rough sleeping, including those currently in emergency accommodation as a response to Covid-19, can access the specialist help they need for substance dependency issues. A £10m Cold Weather Fund was announced earlier in October, for councils to help keep rough sleepers safe this winter, as well as an additional £2m funding for the faith, communities and voluntary sector to transform their sleeping services into Covid-secure accommodation.
Mr Jenrick said:
The efforts to protect rough sleepers throughout the pandemic have been significant. Working with local councils, charities, and housing providers I want to ensure progress is continued for years to come and these new, safe and supported homes will provide a solid foundation for those affected to rebuild their lives.
