Peterborough City Council to spend £3 million on houses for homeless
Twenty-five properties will be purchased for rough sleepers in the city
Last updated 14th Dec 2023
Peterborough City Council are buying 25 properties for rough sleepers after being awarded £3 million in funding.
The money was awarded after a successful application to the government's Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP) scheme.
Of the funds, £2 million will be spent on 25 one-bedroom flats, with the remaining £1 million to be spent on support workers.
The authority is aiming to purchase the first four properties by the end of this year, while they will have one-year to buy all 25.
The support provided will aim to help the residents with all the requirements of living independently, while also addressing their individual needs.
Housing Needs Operations Manager Sarah Scase said: “This is excellent news for us, and will help with our work to continue to get rough sleepers off the streets
“This year we have supported 327 people, and more than 260 have received accommodation. We also prevented 82 people returning to rough sleeping from hospital and accommodation settings.
“The aim remains to get rough sleepers off the streets and into suitable accommodation, helping to transform lives whilst keeping the city an attractive and welcoming place.”
Cllr Peter Hiller, Cabinet member for Housing, Growth and Regeneration, said: “Congratulations to the officers at the council for this successful bid.
“As a council helping rough sleepers is one of our priorities, and these properties could become a key component in delivering on that and enabling those unfortunate enough to be in this position to progress in their lives.”