Mark Garnier welcomes the Government’s recent announcements to help prevent homelessness, here in Wyre Forest and across the country. In 2018 the Homelessness Reduction Act came into force, and the announcement in December 2018 of £263 million to be allocated to local authorities across the country, including Wyre Forest – providing vital funding to give them more control and flexibility in managing homelessness pressures and supporting those who are at risk of homelessness. This is an increase in overall funding for homelessness of £23 million on the previous financial year.
Wyre Forest is set to receive £282,647 for 2020/21 as part of this funding to provide rough sleepers with the specialist support they need to get off the streets for good and enable local authorities such as Wyre Forest to do more to prevent and relieve homelessness.
This funding ensures local authorities are resourced to act to prevent homelessness from occurring and implement the Homelessness Reduction Act. This funding is provided upfront and can be used flexibly as part of councils’ resourcing to achieve their homelessness strategies.
Also in 2018 the Government announced the Rough Sleeping Initiative and Wyre Forest will be receiving a share of Worcestershire’s Funding Allocation of £672K for 2020/21; funding to help councils provide emergency shelter and specialist Navigators who act as a single point of contact to support people from the streets into settled accommodation.
Commenting, Mark Garnier MP said:
“The Government has committed to eliminating rough sleeping in the term of this parliament, ensuring people never have to face even one night on the streets, and this welcome funding will provide vulnerable people in Wyre Forest with the support they need to get off the streets for good.
“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 ensuring those sleeping on the streets have access to the professional help and guidance they need to get back on their feet. Additionally I am extremely grateful to Shelter the homeless charity who met with me today in Westminster to discuss this important issue.