Peterborough to get funding to help tackle rough sleeping

Peterborough is to receive funding to address homelessness in the city.

It's to receive 75 thousand pounds to help keep rough sleepers warm during the cold weather.

Last year 155 people died sleeping rough

The funding boost will save lives by ensuring rough sleepers have access to a safe and warm bed.

The money will go direct to councils in the highest need and support thousands of the most vulnerable people in society.

Last year 155 people died sleeping rough on the streets.

Andrew Pakes, Peterborough's MP, said:

"I don't think anyone who has been in Peterborough city centre in recent months would deny that there's a problem."

"It's a real challenge, and it's my job to keep working with the council and others to get us more funding down the line so we can ensure everyone has a safe roof over their head."

"Its really difficult for anyone sleeping rough at anytime of the year.

"We now know that with the dark nights and the cold, biting weather coming, it's more important than ever that support groups and agencies have the funding and support available to get people under a safe roof and keep them warm through these next months."

With the dark nights and the cold, biting weather coming, it's more important than ever

In the Budget it was announced an additional £233m will go to tackling all forms of homelessness, taking total spending on reducing homelessness to nearly £1bn in 2025-26.

This money will directly fund critical services to prevent homelessness and support people into secure, stable housing - helping those at risk of homelessness to pay deposits and negotiate with landlords, reducing the overall need for temporary accommodation.

It's a national disgrace

This action follows a sharp rise in rough sleeping, which is nearing record levels.

Unprecedented numbers of children are in temporary accommodation and almost 360,000 households approached their council for help with homelessness in the last year.

Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, said:

“Anyone forced to sleep rough on our streets represents a complete failure of the broken system we've inherited. It's a national disgrace, and we can’t keep sticking plasters on it."

“We are approaching the harshest months of the year which is why we are taking immediate action to reach anyone sleeping rough and help them off the streets this winter."

“Bringing together Ministers across government is a crucial step to tackle this crisis at its root and ensure everyone has access to the basic right of safe and secure housing. ”

The Conservatives have hit back saying they invested heavily in tackling homelessness during their time in Government.

They say earlier this year Councils were given 1.2 billion pounds so they can give financial support to those who need help with housing.

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