Minister backs cash pot for homelessness

A LABOUR minister has defended the Government's record on tackling homelessness in the North East, after leading charities warned they were stuck in “crisis response mode”.

- By DANIEL HOLLAND Local Democracy Reporter

Following the announcement last week of an £84million cash boost to help prevent people becoming homeless this winter, concerns emerged over our region being awarded just £1.5m from that pot - significantly less than any other part of England.

Bosses at homelessness charities Changing Lives and Emmaus North East said that the money was “just not enough” and “falls far short of what is needed to create lasting change”.

The Government has now told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the “top-up” money will mean the North East has received £6.5m more this year targeted at homelessness and rough sleeping prevention, as well as support for rough sleepers with drug and alcohol issues.