Portsmouth MP Amanda Martin has given her support to a £9.6 million injection to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping in our area.
Thousands of people facing homelessness will be supported by a new £84 million cash injection to councils up and down the country ahead of winter, with Portsmouth set to benefit.
Children and families in temporary accommodation in Portsmouth will be prioritised, with the funding to go towards helping families to cover the essentials like food, school travel and laundry.
The new funding unlocked by the Labour government, which includes £9.6 million for the South East of England, will support children to remain in education.
After 14 years of Conservative Government record levels of households are in temporary accommodation across the country, including nearly 170,000 children. Levels of rough sleeping have also more than doubled since 2010.
This announcement comes on top of the Labour government’s almost £1 billion investment to tackle homelessness this year and includes the largest ever investment in prevention services, helping councils intervene early and stop homelessness before it happens.
The investment provides tailored services for those experiencing long-term rough sleeping – including mental health support, drug and alcohol treatment and sustainable accommodation – ensuring people get the help they need to rebuild their lives.
Commenting, Amanda Martin MP for Portsmouth North said: “Homelessness and rough sleeping became a growing crisis in Portsmouth under the last Conservative government, and residents have told me just how urgent this issue feels.
“I welcome the Labour Government’s commitment to real action with proper investment and a clear plan to turn things around.
“The £39 billion pledged for social and affordable housing, alongside a strong Child Poverty Strategy, shows we’re serious about tackling the root causes. But we must act swiftly to prevent more people from falling through the cracks.”
Today’s investment supports the delivery of the Labour government’s Plan for Change, in addition to:
- £950 million to increase the supply of good temporary accommodation
- Abolishing ‘no fault’ evictions through the landmark Renters’ Rights Bill
- £39 billion investment to deliver the biggest increase in social and affordable housing in a generation.
Labour’s Housing Secretary, Steve Reed MP, said: “Homelessness is a moral stain on our society. Growing numbers of people have been abandoned to sleep rough on the streets and children left in squalid, overcrowded conditions.
“This government will not stand idly by and allow that to continue. We will make different choices. That’s why we are investing £1 billion to give homeless people the security of a roof over their heads and get back on track to end homelessness for good.”
