On Friday (5 November) the government announced an extra £15 million in funding as part of a 'Protect Programme' to support councils' ongoing efforts to provide accommodation for rough sleepers during the pandemic.
London Councils welcomed the launch of the government’s ‘Protect Programme’ for supporting rough sleepers over winter, but also highlighted the continued funding pressures facing local services.
London Councils’ Executive Member for Housing & Planning, Cllr Darren Rodwell, said: “Boroughs are determined to do everything we can to get rough sleepers off the streets and kept safe over winter. It’s absolutely essential that this support is available to everyone – nobody must be left behind.
“We’ve got major concerns about worsening pressures over the coming months. Homelessness services are already stretched – and the government’s funding fails to match what we’re spending.
“The government is right to keep focused on preventing homelessness and protecting rough sleepers, but it also needs to keep listening to local councils and ensuring services have the resources required.”
