Torbay’s MP Kevin Foster has welcomed the Government’s announcement more than £25 million will be allocated to 108 areas across the country, including Torbay, providing vital funding to help the most vulnerable rough sleepers off the streets as part of the Conservative Government’s £100 million plan to end rough sleeping by 2027.
Torbay Council is set to receive £118,500.00 as part of this funding, which will provide rough sleepers with the specialist support they need to get off the streets for good. Local authorities such as Torbay 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.
Commenting, Kevin said: “The Government is working to ensure no one has to spend a night on the streets. This investment will provide vulnerable people in our bay with the support they need to get off the streets for good.
“Local Councils will be able to use the funding to develop the right support for vulnerable rough sleepers in their local areas. Torbay Council has put forward some innovative plans I know will make a real difference to people’s lives. I look forward to working with them so no one in our bay has to spend a night on the streets.”
Housing and Homelessness Minister Heather Wheeler MP said:
“We are taking steps to ensure people in Torbay never have to face even one night on the streets.
“These are vulnerable people, who may be dealing with complex mental health problems or addictions and require specialist support to tackle these issues and turn their lives around.
“The funding confirmed today will ensure those sleeping on the streets in Torbay have access to the professional help and guidance they need to get back on their feet – taking us one step closer to ending rough sleeping for good.”
This additional funding for Torbay Council forms part of the Conservative Government’s £100 million plan to end rough sleeping by 2027. Progress is already being made with the first fall in rough sleeping since 2010 and falls of almost 20 per cent in the worse-affected area. Schemes like this will help us achieve our ambition of being a country in which no-one needs to spend a night on the streets.
ENDS
For more information please contact Kevin Foster on 01803 214 989
