‘A step closer to making homelessness a thing of the past’

Homelessness prevention in Preston is receiving a half-a-million pound boost from the government.

- by Ed Walker

Preston City Council is one of many councils across the country to receive a funding increase as the number of rough sleepers continues to rise.

Lancashire has consistently seen above average rates of homelessness with Preston – as an administrative capital and having a major railway station - seeing a sharp increase in recent years.

New figures are expected later this year as the annual rough sleeper count takes place, but charities in the city warn it often doesn't truly represent the situation on the ground due to the way the figures are recorded.

A total of £84million is being handed to local councils via the government's rough sleeping prevention and recovery grant in additional funding with the city council receiving a £500,000 cut of this.