Wirral Council is to be given £1.1 million to help those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, as part of a a £654 million funding package announced today, (23 December 2022).
The money will be used to help individuals at risk of becoming homeless pay deposits for new homes, provide temporary accommodation for families and mediate with landlords to avoid evictions.
Councillor Ian Lewis said: “Wirral Council, working with partner organisations, has worked hard to support people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless, especially during the pandemic. The £1.1 million extra announced today means that work can continue.
“This is why, at a recent council meeting, we asked for regular updates from the Council on the number of people who are homeless or sleeping rough. We need to make sure this money benefits them and gets them off the streets.”
The Government has said councils can use the money flexibly based on their knowledge of the local area and the local housing market. Many councils use the funding to offer mediation services for landlords and tenants to prevent evictions or implement special programmes to identify root causes of homelessness.
Some of the extra cash is to support those affected by violence and abuse in the home who, since the landmark Domestic Abuse Act 2021, are now included as priority need, ensuring no one has to stay with their abuser for fear of not having a roof over their head.
Councillor Lesley Rennie said: “Throughout my years as a police officer in Wallasey, I would often be called to homes were someone was being forced to stay and ensure abuse and violence because they had nowhere else to go as they would not seen as a ‘priority’ for rehousing.
“Last year’s change in the law, backed up by the extra cash announced today, means that outdated and unacceptable approach can now be consigned to history.”
Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Felicity Buchan, added: “Everyone should have a safe and secure home. Whether it’s emergency housing, support to pay a deposit, or mediation to prevent eviction, today’s package will provide help to those who need it the most at the discretion of those who know them best.
Since the implementation of the Homelessness Reduction Act in 2018, over 500,000 households have had their homelessness successfully prevented or relieved.
Last week, Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Johnny Mercer MP, announced cash to finally end armed forces veterans homelessness. Veterans can access the scheme through a dedicated charity helpline, on the number 01748 833797.
Wirral residents are being urged to help anyone they see sleeping on the streets by using the Streetlink app so they can be connected with local support services.