East Suffolk Council pledges £2.5m in Government funding to help tackle rough sleeping

Funding of £2.5 million will be used to provide support for rough sleepers, a council has said.

East Suffolk Council is one of 303 authorities and organisations to be granted money by the Government to help those at risk of homelessness.

Around £500m has been split between these bodies as part of nationwide efforts to end rough sleeping.

To this end, East Suffolk Council will use this money over three years, with it going towards additional emergency accommodation and other services across the district to provide support.

It will also work alongside Suffolk County Council to bring in a 'Housing First' model - which focuses on first giving someone access to a home - which has been piloted by authorities in Manchester, Liverpool and the West Midlands.

This follows a nearly £2bn rough sleeping strategy unveiled by the Government on September 3 which pledges to tackle homelessness.

Councillor Richard Kerry, East Suffolk Council’s cabinet member for housing, said the funding will be a significant help in the council's work to end rough sleeping.

He added: "It’s not just about giving someone a roof over their head, but also about providing tailored, long-term support to help rebuild the lives of vulnerable people with often complex needs – from finding work and managing finances, to accessing mental and physical health services.

"This will strengthen the ability of our Housing Team to deliver vital services and ensure that no one feels forced to sleep on our streets."

East Suffolk Council already works with numerous bodies, including mental health services, probation departments, faith groups and charities to engage with those on the streets.

The new measures will work alongside existing protocols, such as a scheme in the district that offers emergency accommodation during periods of exceptionally cold weather.