New multimillion pound investment announced to support rough sleepers across West Yorkshire
More support is set to be offered to people sleeping rough across West Yorkshire as multimillion pound investment has been announced.
This week the Combined Authority, led by Mayor Tracy Brabin, committed £3.7 million to provide accommodation and targeted support for people with the most complex needs across the region.
According to government data, at least 141 people are thought to be experiencing rough sleeping every night across the region.
This funding follows Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s national drive to provide a route off the street for everyone by Christmas as part of a new nationwide rough sleeping programme.
The programme supports Mayor Brabin's wider ambitions to tackle homelessness and the housing crisis.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said: “I’ve always said everyone should have a warm, safe, and secure place to call home, and with the winter fast approaching, it’s only right we step in with support for people who need it most.
“Rough sleeping has become far too commonplace, and we must do everything we can to make sure nobody is forced to sleep rough in West Yorkshire.
“This is a positive step towards ensuring people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping can access the safe accommodation and support they need.
“Together with our partners, we are committed to strengthening local efforts to support people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping.”
This short term funding comes as the Combined Authority works to develop a strategic regional response to tackling homelessness and rough sleeping, backed by £10 million secured through West Yorkshire's first Integrated Settlement last year.
Working alongside local authorities, the funding will support tailored local approaches that help people experiencing rough sleeping access the accommodation and support they need.
Councillor Keith Ingle, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, said: “Everyone wants a place to call home.
"That’s why providing permanent, good quality, safe and affordable homes for the people of Calderdale, is one of our five priorities, which we’re delivering through our Corporate Plan.
"The funding allocated to Calderdale will help us ensure that those without a place to call home will have somewhere safe, warm and secure to live whilst we work with them to find the home they need and deserve.”
Councillor Philip James, Cabinet Member for Housing and Physical Communities, said: “Kirklees Council is committed to supporting local people who need our help and that includes making sure everyone has a safe place to call home.
"This funding will help us continue the good work our teams and partners already do to prevent homelessness and support people sleeping rough or at risk of rough sleeping.
“We have made significant progress in reducing the use of bed and breakfast accommodation and strengthening homelessness prevention services, but we know there is more to do.
"This investment will help us work with local partners to provide accommodation, support and a route into settled housing for some of our most vulnerable residents.”