Money to prevent homelessness in Havering has been welcomed by Hornchurch & Upminster MP, Julia Lopez, as the government renewed its commitment to end rough sleeping today.
From April, Havering will receive £2.46m from the government to prevent homelessness and £2.56m the year after. The ringfenced grant will be provided upfront each year and can be used flexibly by councils to deliver their homelessness and rough sleeping strategies - by offering financial support for people to find a new home, providing temporary accommodation, working with landlords to prevent evictions or other measures to prevent homelessness.
The Government has made substantial progress on its commitment to end rough sleeping, with rough sleeping levels 49% lower in 2021 than the peak in 2017, and over half a million households have been supported to secure accommodation since the introduction of the Homelessness Reduction Act. This funding includes increased support to homeless domestic abuse victims following the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. This will help local authorities apply priority need for accommodation to those who are homeless as a result of being a victim of domestic abuse, ensuring victims do not remain with their abuser for fear of not having a roof over their head.
Mrs Lopez received the good news on Havering’s allocation this morning in a letter to the Hornchurch & Upminster MP from Felicity Buchan, Minister for Housing & Homelessness. Speaking of the announcement, Mrs Lopez said, ‘I made representations on behalf of Havering to the government in the autumn on the homelessness grant after local journalists, councillors and residents highlighted concerns to me about whether the borough would be getting support. I am really pleased to have received confirmation of the grant ahead of Christmas to give Havering Council comfort that they will have funds to help vulnerable families and individuals who are at risk of homelessness.’
The grant confirmation follows a pledge made by Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, to tackle the challenge of homelessness on a visit to a shelter today. He said, ‘The Government is determined to end rough sleeping and tackle homelessness because for too many people, the opportunity to celebrate Christmas in a warm and safe environment is beyond reach. We know that words alone are not enough. That is why Government is investing £2 billion over the next three years to give some of the most vulnerable people a roof over their heads, along with targeted support to rebuild their lives. Today’s announcement will provide vital support to families who are at risk of rough sleeping, including by providing temporary accommodation and helping with deposits.’
