North East to receive £1.5 million to tackle homelessness

Government announces £1.5m funding boost to tackle homelessness in the North East, part of an £84m national package to help prevent homelessness and support families living in temporary accommodation <i>(Image: Newsquest)</i>
Government announces £1.5m funding boost to tackle homelessness in the North East, part of an £84m national package to help prevent homelessness and support families living in temporary accommodation (Image: Newsquest)
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A £1.5 million cash injection has been announced to tackle homelessness in the North East.

The funding is part of an £84 million national package from the UK Government to help prevent homelessness and support families living in temporary accommodation.

The announcement was made on World Homeless Day, October 10.

Steve Reed MP, housing secretary, said: "Homelessness is a moral stain on our society.

"Growing numbers of people have been abandoned to sleep rough on the streets and children left in squalid, overcrowded conditions.

"This government will not stand idly by and allow that to continue.

"We will make different choices.

"That’s why we are investing £1 billion to give homeless people the security of a roof over their heads and get back on track to end homelessness for good."

The funding aims to help families cover essentials such as food, laundry, and travel to school.

It forms part of the Government’s wider £1 billion investment to address homelessness this year.

Alison McGovern MP, homelessness minister, said: "You can’t have a decent life without a decent home.

"Whether it’s rough sleeping or sofa surfing or, at its worst, children stuck in B&Bs, homelessness in the UK has been too high for too long.

"This has to stop.

"Through our Plan for Change, the UK will build homes and get help to those who need it to put a roof over their head."

Charities have welcomed the funding but are calling for long-term solutions.

Matt Downie, chief executive of Crisis, said: "This funding is very welcome, especially as winter approaches and with homelessness rising.

"We know that targeted support can make a big difference and help people take their first steps out of homelessness."

The package includes nearly £70 million for the Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant, including for services in the North East.

Almost £11 million will help families in temporary accommodation access Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, travel passes, and food.

An additional £3 million will support drug and alcohol treatment services for those sleeping rough.

The Government also plans to repeal the Vagrancy Act 1824 by next spring, decriminalising rough sleeping.

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