West Midlands councils get cash to fight homelessness
Councils across the West Midlands are set to receive a £4.4 million share of a new £84 million government package aimed at tackling homelessness and supporting struggling families this winter.
The funding is part of the government’s £1 billion annual drive to end homelessness and rough sleeping.
It comes as record numbers of households remain in temporary accommodation – including almost 170,000 children across England.
Help for families and children
The cash injection will allow councils in Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton and surrounding areas to boost local services, prevent rough sleeping and support children living in temporary housing.
Nearly £11 million of the national fund will go directly towards helping families with essentials such as food, school uniforms, Wi-Fi access and laundry facilities.
A further £70 million will strengthen local prevention and recovery programmes, including mental health and addiction support.
Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern said: “You can’t have a decent life without a decent home. Homelessness in the UK has been too high for too long – this has to stop. We’re providing extra cash now to address a crisis made over the past decade.”
Local services under pressure
In Birmingham, where temporary accommodation levels remain among the highest outside London, local charities have welcomed the announcement but warned that long-term investment is still needed.
Matthew Bolton of Citizens UK said: “This funding gives children and families in temporary accommodation a sense of dignity and stability. But we need sustained action so that every family can move into a secure home.”
The government says the funding will also help deliver its wider Plan for Change, which includes abolishing “no-fault” evictions and investing £39 billion to expand social and affordable housing.
A winter of prevention
The West Midlands’ £4.4 million share will be distributed among local authorities based on need, supporting outreach teams and emergency accommodation over the colder months.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: “Homelessness is a moral stain on our society. This government will not stand idly by – we are investing to give people the security of a roof over their heads and to end homelessness for good.”
The Ministry of Housing confirmed that the funding would complement ongoing plans to repeal the 200-year-old Vagrancy Act by next spring, ensuring rough sleeping is no longer treated as a criminal offence.
