BCP Council awarded more than £9.2m from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government to tackle homelessness

MORE than £9.2m of government funding has been awarded to BCP Council to support homelessness prevention.

The money, from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, will be used to help prevent at-risk residents from becoming homeless. It will also help to deliver a wide range of rough sleeping support and accommodation, as well as drug and alcohol treatment and recovery interventions.

It is one of the highest allocations in the country, reflecting the positive work the council has done to support those impacted by homelessness in recent years.

The council’s cabinet member for housing and regulatory services, Cllr Kieron Wilson, said: “This level of funding is much welcomed, and works towards our ambition of ending homelessness.

“It supports our vision of ensuring everyone has a safe place to call home. Having a home is the foundation on which we all build our lives, and fundamental to health and wellbeing.

“That is why we will continue to work with partners across the region to support those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.”

He added: “We have already seen a 30% increase in our prevention outcomes in the last year, where we have kept more people in their homes, so this funding will ensure we can build on that work and provide positive outcomes through targeted interventions and early support.”

The council has already increased its ambitious programme of acquiring new temporary homes, and continues to work with partners to deliver long-term housing options for those at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness.