Conservative MP Ian Liddell-Grainger has welcomed the Government’s announcement that more than £25 million is being allocated to help the most vulnerable rough sleepers off the streets.
More than 108 areas across the country, including Somerset West and Taunton, will be provided with vital funding as part of the Government’s £100 million plan to end rough sleeping by 2027.
Somerset West and Taunton’s £11,200 allocation will provide rough sleepers with the specialist support they need to get off the streets for good.
Across the country local authorities will use the investment to fund innovative local schemes aimed at supporting vulnerable people so they are able to get into stable accommodation where they will then receive the tailored care they need.
This will include Somewhere Safe to Stay rough sleeping centres offering professional help and guidance, including immediate shelter and mental health support; specialist support workers who direct people to the services they need, such as counselling, housing advice services, mental health support or substance misuse services; and supported lettings schemes to help people secure tenancies in properties that they may not otherwise be able to access.
Mr Liddell-Grainger, Conservative member for Bridgwater and West Somerset, said the Government was working hard to ensure no one had to spend a night on the streets.
“This allocation and this investment will provide vulnerable people in Somerset West and Taunton with the support they need to get off the streets for good,” he said.
“Local authorities will be able to use the funding to develop the right support for vulnerable rough sleepers in their local areas. Somerset West and Taunton has put forward some innovative plans that I know will make a real difference to people’s lives, and I look forward to working with the council so that no one in the district has to spend a night on the streets.”