Local Hastings and Rye MP, Sally-Ann Hart, has welcomed the Government’s announcement this morning (24th June) of an additional £105 million to provide interim housing for rough sleepers through the Covid-19 pandemic.
On hearing this announcement Sally Ann said “I am really pleased with this latest funding to local authorities to help support rough sleepers into interim accommodation whilst long term options are found. One of my top priorities as the MP has been to support the most vulnerable in our communities, including the eradication of homelessness from our town.”
The additional £105 million will be used to support rough sleepers and those at risk of homelessness into tenancies of their own, including through help with deposits for accommodation, and securing thousands of alternative rooms already available and ready for use, such as student accommodation.
The funding unveiled today takes the total amount provided this year by government to support rough sleepers and those on the brink of becoming homeless to over half a billion pounds.
The announcement comes as plans to provide 6,000 long-term, safe homes continue at pace, to ensure the work being done to take society’s most vulnerable off the streets during the pandemic has a lasting impact.
“Covid-19 has been one of the toughest battles we have faced in generations. It has thrown up huge challenges and brought with it heartache and despair for thousands. But there are also opportunities as we get out of lockdown and get control on the virus, one of which is to finally tackle homelessness and rough sleeping head on, and ensure we do not return rough sleepers back on to our streets. I will do all I can as the local MP to support and spearhead work in this area and ensure that rough sleepers get the housing, training, skills and support they need to have flourishing futures after covid-19”, said Sally-Ann.