Watford’s mayor has called for the government to work “constructively” with local councils to help eradicate rough sleeping after a £500 million initiative was announced.
A total of 14,000 emergency beds for rough sleepers and 3,000 support staff roles will be funded this year as part of the three-year initiative, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) said.
The plans, unveiled in a long-awaited strategy, are backed up by £2 billion in funding over the next three years, which was first announced in the spring spending review.
Of this, £764 million has been allocated to go to councils and government partners.
The Watford Observer had asked Watford Borough Council how much the town will benefit from this, but a spokesperson has been unable to confirm at this time.
However, Watford mayor Peter Taylor has questioned the government's “good intentions”.
He said: “I am pleased that the Government have published this strategy, but we need to make sure that their good intentions are matched with the proper funding to deliver its aims.
“The government also needs to work closely and constructively with local government so we can end rough sleeping for good.”
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The council says it is currently reviewing documents provided by the Government to understand how this will benefit Watford.
Mr Taylor added that the town has made “huge progress” in tackling rough sleeping over the past few years by working with local charities such as New Hope, One YMCA and Grow.
Beyond government support, Watford’s housing team is currently working with One YMCA to provide accommodation to rough sleepers and are delivering a range of support services to help them transform their lives and stay off the streets for good.
Minister for rough sleeping Eddie Hughes, who visited New Hope’s Haven on August 22, said: “We will pull every lever at our disposal so councils, working hand in hand with the voluntary, faith and community sectors, can intervene swiftly when someone is sleeping rough.”
And while the Rick Henderson, chief executive of the Homeless Link charity, called it a “step in the right direction” he added that the cost-of-living crisis will “force more people into homelessness”.
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