REDDITCH MP Rachel Maclean has welcomed the Government’s announcement that more than £25 million will be allocated to 108 areas across the country, including Worcestershire.

It is hoped the funding will help the most vulnerable rough sleepers off the streets as part of the Conservative Government’s £100 million plan to end rough sleeping by 2027.

Worcestershire is set to receive £242,601 as part of this funding, which aims to provide rough sleepers with the specialist support they need to get off the streets for good.

Local authorities will use this investment to fund innovative local schemes aimed at supporting vulnerable people, so they are able to get into stable accommodation where they will then receive the tailored care they need.

This will include Somewhere Safe to Stay rough sleeping centres, where people on the streets can access professional help and guidance, including immediate shelter and mental health support.

There will be specialist support workers who direct people to the services they need, such as counselling, housing advice services, mental health support or substance misuse services.

And the money will also go toward supported lettings schemes, which help people to secure tenancies in properties that they may not otherwise be able to access, and dedicated local letting agencies, specialist agencies that support vulnerable people into affordable and stable accommodation.

Mrs Maclean said: “No one wants to see anyone having to spend a night on the streets, and this investment will provide vulnerable people in Redditch with the support they need to get off the streets for good.

“Local authorities will be able to use the funding to develop the right support for vulnerable rough sleepers in their areas.

"Worcestershire has put forward some innovative plans that I know will make a real difference to people’s lives, and I look forward to working with them so that no one in our town has to spend a night on the streets.”