In the news: Council Leader secures additional funding to tackle homelessness
More than £62,000 has now been secured to support vulnerable people in Basildon Borough sleeping rough this Winter
Basildon Council is pleased to announce that it has secured significant funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) as part of the Rough Sleeping Winter Pressures Funding, to address rough sleeping and homelessness this winter.
This funding is aimed at providing crucial support to individuals currently sleeping rough, with a specific focus on those with additional vulnerabilities, such as long-term rough sleepers, veterans, care leavers, and victims of domestic abuse.
This funding will make a transformative difference to people sleeping rough in Basildon Borough, helping to transition individuals from the streets into safe, secure housing with warm beds, hot meals, and medical care.
Leader of Basildon Council, Councillor Gavin Callaghan said: "Homelessness is a national crisis, and here in Basildon we have seen a significant increase in people sleeping rough. This funding will enable us to deliver immediate relief to those on the streets, as well as invest in long-term solutions to ensure that individuals can regain control of their lives and remain off the streets for good. By working closely with partners such as Streetlink, we are committed to making a real and lasting difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
"We are grateful that the government is taking this issue seriously and we look forward to working closely with them in the months to come."
In 2023, the council announced an award-winning supported housing scheme comprising of 16 fully furnished one-bedroom flats, giving rough sleepers the stability and skills needed to move on to settled accommodation.
The council also has severe weather protocols in place to ensure people are kept safe during extreme weather conditions, with accommodation currently being provided to 19 people under this scheme.
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Published 23 January 2025
Contact Basildon Council's Press Office at pressoffice@basildon.gov.uk for further information.