Buckingham MP Greg Smith has welcomed the announcement that Buckinghamshire Council will receive £1,053,502 as part of the Conservative Government’s commitment to end rough sleeping by 2024.
Local authorities in England, including Buckinghamshire, will now receive a share of the £174 million spend in the Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme, which has already helped thousands of people off the streets into a place they can call their own.
This funding will deliver more than 2,900 move-on homes for rough sleepers across the country, as well as a team of specialist support staff so we can help tackle the underlying issues and get people off the streets for good. These staff – often from homelessness charities such as St. Mungo’s – are offering treatment for mental health issues and substance misuse to help long-term rough sleepers and newly homeless people remain in their tenancies.
All housing provided is of a high quality and includes refurbished flats from unlettable homes, new build properties, and converted hotels and schools.
Commenting, Greg said: “I am committed to ending rough sleeping in Buckingham constituency and making sure that the most vulnerable can access the support they need.
“That is why it is so important that Buckinghamshire Council is receiving £1,053,502 from the Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme, helping the council provide support for rough sleepers and start a new chapter in their lives.
“This a significant step towards ending rough sleeping for good and transforming the lives of the most vulnerable in our community.”
Commenting, Minister for Housing and Rough Sleeping, Eddie Hughes, said: “One person sleeping rough on our streets is one too many, and more is needed to help people who find themselves in this terrible situation.
“That’s why I’m delighted to announce this funding for the Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme, which is supporting people to access housing and, crucially, specialist support to rebuild their lives and become independent again.
“This Government does not just want to make a dent in the number of rough sleepers – we want to end rough sleeping for good, and through innovative programmes like this we’re on track to ensure no one is forced to spend a night on the streets.”
