East Lancashire to receive government fund to tackle rough sleeping

Rough sleeping is a problem across the country

Councils will receive a share of an additional £112m. through the Rough Sleeping Initiative to help get people off the streets and in to safe and secure accommodation.

It builds on the Prime Minister’s drive to end homelessness and the announcement before Christmas of £260m. for local authorities to help people who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes get back on their feet.

The Rough Sleeping Initiative has reduced the number of vulnerable people sleeping rough in the areas it has been operating by 32% since its introduction in 2018 and is a central pillar of the government’s strategy to end rough sleeping completely by 2024.

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said: “I am delighted that funding to tackle rough sleeping in Pendle and across East Lancashire will increase by £184,000 this year.

“This Conservative government has shown it is absolutely determined to end rough sleeping, and I was especially pleased to see the government bring forward its target of achieving this from 2027 to 2024 at the last election.

“There is still a lot more we can do, and I’ll be working with the council and local organisations to ensure the additional funds are spent locally in the most effective way, so that no one in our area has to sleep out in the cold this winter.”

Burnley Council leader Coun. Charlie Briggs said: "It's marvellous news and will mean extra help and support for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. The funding will pay for a second officer to work in our borough through Calico's Gateway project on the former Mitre pub site.

The outreach worker will engage with rough sleepers and the homeless, providing them with essential life-saving support to get them off the streets and into permanent accommodation.

"They will also be able to give advice on how to access services that will help improve the lives of those most in need of our support. It's another great example of successful joint working by councils and organisations across Pennine Lancashire for the benefit of their residents."