£3.9 million to be spent on tackling homelessness in Swindon
The Borough Council is receiving an extra 23% by the Government
Nearly £3.9 million is going to be spent across Swindon in the next financial year to help fight homelessness.
The Borough Council is receiving an extra 23% by the Government under their new 'plan for change'.
Across the country, a record 123,000 households are living in temporary accommodation - with 160,000 children without a permanent home.
This rise in funding brings the total funding handed to the local authority up to £3,878,972 in 25/26.
Across the country, Labour is investing a record nearly £1 billion for councils to help break the endless cycle of spiralling homelessness – alongside plans to build 1.5m new homes.
'A clear sign the work of change has begun'
Welcoming the huge boost for Swindon, Labour’s Cabinet Member for Housing Janine Howarth said: “People voted for a Labour Government because this country needs to change – and that’s what this government is delivering. The level of homelessness in this country is a disgrace, and it high time we had a government determined to stamp it out.
“This funding will help Swindon council support families at risk of homelessness, and give us extra resources to prevent rough sleeping too. On top of this, Labour is banning no fault evictions and we are building 1.5m homes too. That’s a real plan to deliver change right here in Swindon.”
“Turning this country around will take time – but announcements like today’s are a clear sign that the work of change has well and truly begun.”
'A turning point'
Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Angela Rayner said: “Too many people have been failed by the system time and again.160,000 children face spending this Christmas without a stable place to call home. I am determined to break the cycle of spiralling homelessness and get back on track to ending it for good.
“This largest-ever investment marks a turning point, giving councils the tools they need to act quickly and put in place support for people to tackle, reduce and prevent homelessness. It’s time to turn the tide.
“This historic funding comes alongside our work developing a cross-government strategy back on track to end homelessness, pulling every lever of the state, to ensure that we deliver not just sticking plasters but a long-term plan.
“Through our Plan for Change I am determined to tackle the housing crisis we inherited head on, building the homes we need, delivering the biggest boost in social and affordable housing in a generation and ending no fault evictions.”