Reading council has launched a bid to 'eliminate' rough sleeping by applying for £1.8 million of Government funding.

Earlier this year, the government's department for levelling up, housing and communities (DLUHC ) announced that it would be providing millions in grant funding as part of its  Rough Sleeping Initiative 2022-25.

Now, Reading Borough Council has agreed to bid for a maximum of £1.8 million in an effort to 'eliminate' rough sleeping by 2027.

The council currently has a goal to halve rough sleeping by this year.

If the council obtains the grant, it will be used to help fund a 'Housing First' approach which gives those who have experienced homelessness and chronic health and social care needs a stable home along with intensive support, with a view for beneficiaries to become tenants in the future.

A report from Frances Martin the council's executive director for economic growth and neighbourhood services states around £1 million of the grant would be used to extend contracts with existing partners in October 2022, increase numbers of council staff who work to tackle homeless, and fund emergency accommodation and seasonal schemes, particularly during winter.

It is understood that the grant would help fund the charities and organisations the council already works with, which includes the St Mungo's  charity and Launchpad, which works to prevent homelessness by providing  information and support for individuals, couples and families who don’t have a stable place to live or are at risk of losing their home.

According to its website, Launchpad assisted over 800 people in housing crisis in Reading get back on their feet.

As well as the bid for £1.8 million grant, the council has received £220,000 from the DLUHC's Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme (RSAP) 2021-24 to deliver “Move-on Homes”.

This money will be used to support couples with multiple needs to move from supported housing into settled accommodation with intensive tenancy sustainment support.

The policy to apply for the Government funding was agreed unanimously at a council policy committee meeting on Monday, April 4.

During discussion, councillor Ellie Emberson (Labour, Minster), lead member for housing and communities, celebrated the opening of 40 'homeless pods' at the Cattle Market in Great Knollys Street near the town centre.

The pods were opened last July and were established using £2.3 million of Government funding, and were set up specifically to assist homeless single people who have been referred to St Mungo's.

Information to assist those who are rough sleeping or are at risk of doing so can be found on the council's website: https://www.reading.gov.uk/housing/rough-sleeping/get-help-with-rough-sleeping/

Those who are rough sleeping in Reading should call Street Link on 0300 500 0914 - that helps by ensuring that rough sleepers are referred to the  St Mungo’s outreach service.

Additionally, the council can be contacted on on 0118 937 2165 (or our number is 01344 786 512 after 5pm) or email housing.advice@reading.gov.uk