Coronavirus: Shropshire Council set to receive more Government funding for vulnerable people
Vulnerable people in Shropshire who were housed during the pandemic will be helped to stay in accommodation this year, thanks to new Government funding.
The funding from the Next Steps Accommodation Programme was announced yesterday (Thursday 17 September 2020) by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick, as part of the Government’s commitment to ending rough sleeping for good.
Shropshire Council is one of 274 local authorities who will receive a share of the £91.5m of Government funding to ensure interim accommodation and support for the most vulnerable people, by:
- helping people into the private rented sector
- securing interim accommodation such as supported housing
- assessing the wider support these people need in order to rebuild their lives.
The council will receive £123,500 of the Government funding.
Laura Fisher, Shropshire Council’s housing services manager, said:
“We are really excited about this funding and the opportunity it gives us to carry on the amazing work we have done in regard to reducing homelessness in Shropshire. We are aware that the reasons for rough sleeping are complex, but are committed to eradicating rough sleeping in Shropshire.
“Shropshire will receive £123,500 to enable us to increase the number of support workers we have to work with our most vulnerable people, and also to access the social and private rented market through the use of landlord incentives such as increased levels of deposits, rent in advance and guaranteed rent.”
Shropshire Council has also put in a bid for a share of the further £161 million fund intended to provide over 3,300 additional supported homes this year for those sleeping rough or currently housed in emergency accommodation. The funding will be used for additional bedspaces within Shropshire. The council are currently waiting for an announcement regarding this funding.
