Following the January 2025 announcement of a £30million package for people experiencing homelessness across the country this winter, the Government have announced that this will be doubled to £60 million.
The additional funding will be given to councils in 295 targeted areas to provide life-changing support for people on the brink of homelessness. It will support councils with early intervention to keep families in their homes, while also providing accommodation for people sleeping rough.
In the last year, 146,360 households reached out for council support, many of whom were facing eviction through no fault of their own. Some had experienced sudden health issues, or a loss of employment. Others had faced unexpected bills or a relationship breakdown.
The Winter Pressures Funding for homelessness and rough sleeping now sits at £60 million for the year. The addition of £30 million will help councils to negotiate quickly and effectively with landlords. It will help to cover emergency rent shortfalls, and ensure that people are kept in safe, secure housing.
This comes as rough sleeping in the capital increased yet again last autumn, with 4612 people recorded as rough sleeping in London between October to December 2024. This is an increase of 5% on the same period last year. St Mungo’s is on the frontline of this homelessness emergency. The charity operates in parts of the UK facing the highest levels of homelessness, including London.
Sean Palmer, Executive Director at St Mungo’s, said:
“The Government’s announcement of an extra £30 million in funding is welcome news at a time when the numbers of people experiencing homelessness, and at risk of it, is continuing to rise. This funding will help ensure the growing number of people who find themselves on the streets can be offered the vital support they need and others can be supported to prevent them from losing their homes in the first place.
Given the current crisis, this funding is both much needed and a step in the right direction towards prevention. The upcoming homelessness strategy will be a key moment for the Government to set out how we can work together to end rough sleeping, and all forms of homelessness, for good. St Mungo’s looks forward to working with them on it.”
