£301,000 granted to borough for new housing to fight rough sleeping

More than £300,000 has been granted to Redcar and Cleveland to provide a permanent place to live for some of the most vulnerable in society.

The Government has announced that £301,680 would be made available following a successful joint bid by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council and housing association, Beyond Housing.

A total of five new homes will be prepared to help people who sleep rough, or are at risk of sleeping rough, to be rehoused in secure, long-term accommodation. The residents will receive specialist support from Beyond Housing whilst living in the accommodation, in order to assist with budgeting and living skills, training and employment opportunities, and improve their prospects of securing permanent accommodation in the future.

The homes will be delivered by spring 2021 and the grant is part of the Government’s nationwide investment of £433 million to deliver 6,000 new homes for rough sleepers over the next four years. So far, 276 schemes have been approved across England. A total of eight schemes in the North East have been given funding in the latest round of grants, including Redcar and Cleveland.

Councillor Steve Kay, Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Welfare, said: “Everyone should have a home and this will help some of the very most vulnerable people in our society, so it is fantastic news that we have been successful. It’s also a good example of how working closely with partner agencies, like Beyond Housing, can have positive results. We now need to work hard to ensure we take this opportunity to provide the homes and support needed to improve people’s lives.”

Clare Harrigan, Beyond Housing’s Director of Development said: “Beyond Housing is delighted to be working alongside Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, providing homes with support to improve people’s life chances. The delivery of this initiative, purchasing existing properties to refurbish alongside intensive support, will enable a responsive yet sustainable solution to reduce homelessness. We are committed to working with our key partners and investing in our communities and neighbourhoods to improve the lives of the people who live within them.”