Stratford-on-Avon District Council secures more government funding for rough sleepers

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Press Release

Published on 18 December 2020
Archived on 18 January 2021


Stratford-on-Avon District Council has been successful in securing more funding from Central Government for its work with rough sleepers.

The Next Steps Accommodation Programme (NSAP) invited local authorities to bid for cash which would be used for both short and long term solutions for those rough sleepers accommodated in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

In April 2020, the Government launched its 'Everyone in' initiative whereby, to protect those living on the streets, it asked all local authorities to provide emergency housing for all rough sleepers in the area.

Since 'Everyone in' the Government has made a financial commitment to ensure that nationally those accommodated during the initiative are able to move on into more settled housing and not return to the streets.

For the short term support element of the NSAP bid, the District Council was awarded £180,000. This will be used to assist with the funding of emergency accommodation for rough sleepers between July 2020 and March 2021.

For the longer term element of the bid, the District Council was awarded £383,678. This will be used to assist with the provision of settled accommodation and support for a number of rough sleepers by March 2021.

The District Council has also been awarded £10,000 Cold Weather Funding which will also be used to assist with the funding of emergency accommodation over the winter months.

Cllr Jo Barker, People Portfolio says: "I am pleased the District Council has been successful with these bids because it means we are now able to work proactively with this cohort to assist them now and in the future.

"The impact of the pandemic on the Council's finances has been extremely challenging, at the same as the government asked local authorities to provide emergency accommodation to all rough sleepers under its 'Everyone in' initiative. The award of this additional funding enables the District Council to continue its good work with those accommodated during 'Everyone in' and will help us as we continue to work towards our target of eradicating rough sleeping in our District."

If local residents are concerned about someone they believe to be rough sleeping, they can report this via the Street Link website: www.streetlink.org.uk/

Residents who wish to donate in order to help those on the street can do so via 'Meaningful Change': meaningfulchange.org.uk/stratford/


The Government's Next Steps Accommodation Programme has two different aspects:

One is for long term accommodation and support for rough sleepers and the remainder is for interim accommodation and support for those housed during the pandemic.

On 24 May 2020, the Secretary of State announced £161 million for 20/21 to deliver 3,300 units of longer term, move on accommodation.

On 24 June 2020 the Secretary of State announced £105 million to be used for immediate support to be utilised in 20/21.

There are several organisations in Stratford that can help and support those sleeping rough.

  • Spring Housing Association: housing pathway service in Stratford on Avon District, via referrals from Stratford on Avon District Council only
  • P3 Charity: housing-related floating support service to over 25s in Warwickshire: 0808 164 6220
  • St Basils: housing-related floating support to those aged 16 to 25 in Warwickshire: text NEED ST BASILS to 62277 or call 02476 889 571
  • CGL: alcohol and drug treatment centre: 16 Court St, Leamington Spa, CV31 2BB Tel: 01926 353513
  • Citizens Advice Bureau: 25 Meer Street, Stratford-upon-Avon. Tel: 01789 200136
  • JobCentrePlus: Martin Raff House, Alcester Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9DA. Tel: 0345 604 3719

Contact details

Stratford-on-Avon District Council
Elizabeth House, Church Street,
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire,
CV37 6HX
Tel: 01789 267575

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Last updated on 04/01/2021