Rugby MP Mark Pawsey has welcomed the Government’s announcement of £263 million allocated to local authorities across the country, including £241,747 for Rugby Borough Council.
This will provide vital funding to give local authorities more resources to support those who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness. Nationally this is an increase in overall funding for tackling homelessness of £23 million on the previous financial year. Rugby Borough Council is set to receive nearly a quarter of a million pounds as part of this funding to provide rough sleepers with the help they need to find accommodation and get off the streets for good.
Figures from Rugby Borough Council show that the number of people sleeping rough in Rugby in November 2019 was 12, down from 32 in the previous year. The additional funding the government is providing will help to ensure that those who still find themselves on the streets can get the help they need.
Mark commented:
“This funding is welcome news for everyone concerned by homelessness and shows the Government’s determination to end rough sleeping in this parliament. Just one person on the streets is one person too many and this funding will enable Rugby Borough Council to ensure that those who find themselves homeless or at risk of homelessness can be provided with the support they need.”
Mark continued:
“In Rugby I am very pleased that the number of people sleeping rough has fallen by nearly 60% over the past twelve months. This is due to the hard work of Rugby Borough Council’s housing team and local charities including Hope4, who do great work with some of Rugby’s most vulnerable residents to help them to turn their lives around. However, there is clearly more work to do on this issue.”
Mark continued:
“Part of this work will be providing a new generation of high-quality social housing in Rugby, including regenerating Biart Place & Rounds Gardens. I have raised the urgent need for the Government to support this work only today in the House of Commons, and I will continue to work alongside my colleagues at Rugby Borough Council to deliver these new houses as quickly as possible.”