MP welcomes £273k funding to tackle local homelessness
NEWBURY MP Laura Farris has welcomed West Berkshire Council’s announcement that it is to receive a large grant from central government to support homeless people in the area.
A total of £273,385 in additional support is being made available to the council, out of a government fund of £315m.
The money is being channelled into tackling a variety of homelessness-related concerns, including programmes to prevent victims of domestic abuse being left destitute.
Mrs Farris said that she has frequently drawn attention to welfare issues in the House of Commons.
This included a session last week where she asked Prime Minister Boris Johnson about links between drug addiction and rough sleeping and what the Government’s 10-year drug strategy will do to address this.
She said: “I am delighted to hear that West Berkshire Council has been allocated an extra £273,000 to tackle homelessness this winter.
“Protecting our most vulnerable from the danger and indignity of life on the street is among our most urgent tasks.
“I am proud of the work that the council has done to get people off the streets in the last few years and the vital
input of our charities like the Newbury Soup Kitchen and Loose Ends.
“However, the causes of homelessness are complex and various.
“Mental illness, domestic abuse, addiction can all be contributory factors each requiring targeted intervention. Also, the crucial transition from temporary to permanent accommodation requires investment.
“I believe these funds will help West Berkshire to deliver this.”