More funding to help combat homelessness

The Council has been successful in bidding for government funds to continue to help people sleeping rough who were housed during the pandemic to stay in accommodation. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council will receive around £153,000 and is one of a number of councils across the south east which will receive funding to ensure interim accommodation and support for the most vulnerable people in the community.

Next Steps Accommodation Programme

The funding comes from the government’s Next Steps Accommodation Programme and it will help make life-changing differences for people who might otherwise be homeless by supporting them and helping them remain in accommodation.

The support will enable them to keep tenancies going and where appropriate will help address other needs such as mental health issues and substance abuse.

Cabinet portfolio holder Cllr Carol Mackonochie said:

It’s very good news that the Council’s Revenue bid to the Next Steps Accommodation Programme has been successful. Like the other local authorities in the South East we have faced an unprecedented challenge to protect rough sleepers as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This funding will help the Council continue providing emergency housing for those we’re already helping, and assist them into longer-term homes such as private rentals and supported accommodation. The Council will also be able to ensure there’s support in place so former rough sleepers can be helped to sustain their tenancies.

The Next Steps Accommodation Programme is part of the government’s commitment to break the cycle of homelessness and end rough sleeping for good.

The money will be used during the current financial year.