A £442 million government package has been announced in a major drive to ensure people sleeping rough across England can be offered a route off the streets by Christmas.
The funding will provide emergency accommodation and wider support, with the largest share of the money directed towards areas experiencing the greatest levels of need.
Under the plans, more than 1,000 settled homes will be provided over the next three years, alongside support covering housing, health and other services intended to help people move away from homelessness permanently.
The initiative builds on approaches used during the Covid-19 pandemic, when large numbers of rough sleepers were moved into emergency accommodation.
More than 1,000 settled homes
Ministers say the programme is intended to go beyond providing temporary shelter by helping people secure longer-term accommodation and access services addressing the underlying reasons they may have become homeless.
The government is also confirming individual project allocations under the programme, including investment in long-term accommodation first announced in July.
Officials say councils and partner organisations will work together to identify people sleeping rough and provide suitable routes into accommodation and support.
Government points to potential taxpayer savings
Ministers argue that preventing homelessness could deliver significant financial as well as social benefits.
Research from homelessness charity Crisis suggests that preventing 40,000 people from becoming homeless for one year could save taxpayers around £370 million through reduced pressure on public services.
A national summit is due to be held in the autumn, bringing together charities, businesses, health organisations and faith groups to coordinate further action on rough sleeping and homelessness.
The government says its immediate objective is to ensure that everyone who needs help can be offered a route off the streets by Christmas, through cooperation between central government, councils and partner organisations.
The longer-term programme will focus on providing settled accommodation and support aimed at preventing people from returning to the streets.
