Government launches £442m drive to tackle rough sleeping by Christmas

The Government has announced a new national drive aimed at ensuring everyone sleeping rough in England is offered a route off the streets this winter.

Backed by £442 million of funding, the programme will provide emergency accommodation alongside practical support with housing, health and other needs. Areas experiencing the greatest pressures from rough sleeping are expected to receive the largest share of support.

The funding will also support the delivery of more than 1,000 settled homes over the next three years, with wraparound support designed to help people move away from homelessness for the longer term.

The voluntary and community sector will play an important role in the programme. £8.4 million of the new funding will go specifically to the Ending Homelessness in Communities Fund, contributing to £47 million being allocated to 100 projects over three years.

A national summit is also planned for the autumn, bringing together charities, businesses, health organisations, faith groups and other partners to consider how different sectors can contribute to ending rough sleeping.

The Government has also issued guidance encouraging local areas to ensure services are accessible to women experiencing rough sleeping, including consideration of women-only accommodation and specialist trauma-informed support.

Find out more: Read the full Government announcement