East Suffolk awarded £2.4m to help end rough sleeping

Richard Kerry said the government funding would provide "tailored, long-term support" for people sleeping rough

A £2.4m grant from the government would have a "significant positive impact" on work to end rough sleeping, a council said.

East Suffolk District Council was one of 303 local authorities that received a share of the government's £500m rough sleeping initiative.

The council said the money would go towards increasing provision by 28 beds under various schemes.

Councillor Richard Kerry said it was a "considerable funding commitment".

The council said the latest statistics showed there were 16 rough sleepers in the district, which covers the Suffolk coast from Lowestoft to Felixstowe.

The money awarded would cover three years and also be used to provide "valuable services across the district", the Conservative-run council said.

This included:

• funding of existing beds and an additional 14 under the Housing First model

• an increase in beds at the Safe to Stay Hub from eight to 12

• 10 additional beds under the Rough Sleepers Initiative

The funding would also facilitate a partnership with Suffolk County Council to develop support not only for rough sleepers, but also for young people who require help to get them towards independent living.

'Long-term support'

Mr Kerry, cabinet member for housing at East Suffolk, said: "This will have a significant positive impact on the council's work towards ending rough sleeping.

"It's not just about giving someone a roof over their head, but also about providing tailored, long-term support to help rebuild the lives of vulnerable people with often complex needs - from finding work and managing finances, to accessing mental and physical health services.

"This will strengthen the ability of our housing team to deliver vital services and ensure that no one feels forced to sleep on our streets."