William Eichler 25 March 2022

Boroughs ‘deeply concerned’ by nearly 30% reduction in homelessness funds

Boroughs ‘deeply concerned’ by nearly 30% reduction in homelessness funds image
Image: Srdjan Randjelovic/Shutterstock.com.

London boroughs have warned that a reduction in Government funding risks undermining homelessness prevention work in the capital.

The Government recently confirmed that funding provision to local authorities in England for Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) in 2022/23 would reduce by 28% – from £140m to £100m.

The cross-party body, London Councils, has highlighted that London’s allocation has fallen from £37m to £26.7m and warned that the reduction will undermine efforts to reduce homelessness, particularly with the growing cost-of-living pressures.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, London Councils’ executive member for welfare, empowerment & inclusion, said: ‘We’re facing the most severe homelessness crisis in the country and boroughs are deeply concerned by the reduced funding available for discretionary housing payments.

‘These payments are boroughs’ main homelessness prevention tool. They can be vital for helping low-income households pay their rent and keep a roof over their heads. With so many Londoners struggling to make ends meet, we’re worried what will happen if fewer discretionary housing payments are available.

‘We know the government shares our ambitions on tackling homelessness. Good progress is being made on reducing rough sleeping – but we need the same focus and funding boost for preventing other forms of homelessness. A staggering number of Londoners already live in temporary accommodation and we can’t afford for these numbers to go up even further.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914 - £27781
The Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer at West Northamptonshire Council provides essential administrative support across the Revenues and Benefits team. The role involves managing emails, indexing documents, raising orders and supporting financi Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Strategic Commissioning Manager (Markets Team Manager)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Drive real change in your community - shape the future of careDrive real change in your community - shape the future of careAt the Royal Borough of Ke England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£34902.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£34,902 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Sheltered Housing Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£33291 - £34291 per annum
Support residents to live independently in safe, welcoming homes - making every day easier, safer and more connected.Support residents to live indepen England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner