Richard has welcomed the government's announcement to provide a further £3.2 million worth of funding to Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough Council to protect vulnerable people from homelessness over the next two years.
As part of the Homelessness Prevention Grant, Bedford Borough Council will receive £889,122 in 2023/24 and £904,537 in 2024/25 and Central Bedfordshire Council will receive £693,203 in 2023/24 and £726,106 in 2024/25 to prevent more people from becoming homeless or sleeping rough in the county.
The money will be used to provide temporary accommodation for families, help individuals at risk of becoming homeless pay deposits for new homes and mediate with landlords to avoid evictions.
This funding, which is part of a £654million package nationally, includes £24 million to increase support to homeless domestic abuse victims following the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. This will help local authorities give priority need for accommodation to those who are homeless as a result of being a victim of domestic abuse, ensuring victims do not remain with their abuser for fear of not having a roof over their head.
Richard Fuller, the MP for North East Bedfordshire which covers both Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire Councils, commented:
I really welcome the news that this government is providing £3.2 million of funding to tackle homelessness in Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough over the next two years.
The government is determined to end rough sleeping and tackle homelessness and this announcement will provide vital support to families who are at risk of rough sleeping, including by providing temporary accommodation and helping with deposits.
