Nottingham City Council’s Executive Board hopes to approve a series of grants totalling £6,977,947 aimed at homelessness prevention and support for rough sleepers.
Nottingham, like many cities across the UK, has witnessed a worrying increase in homelessness, rough sleeping, and reliance on temporary accommodations such as “bed and breakfasts.”
This situation has been compounded by broader national policy issues related to housing and the housing market. A detailed report on the matter was previously discussed at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in October 2023, highlighting the severity of the issue.
The Council’s response involves a comprehensive review and major restructuring of its homelessness services. Key objectives include the expansion of capacity for preventive work to reduce homelessness, alongside increased investment in temporary accommodations to manage current demands.
The Council has successfully secured substantial government funding in the past five years, standing as one of the highest recipients outside London. The latest report details the acceptance of various grants, focusing on homelessness prevention and reduction in rough sleeping. These include:
- 2023/24 and 2024/25 Homelessness Prevention Grant Allocations: Funding aimed at the ongoing implementation of homelessness prevention strategies.
- 2022-2025 Rough Sleeping Initiative Grants: These grants support programs developed in partnership with the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities.
- 2022-25 Accommodation for Ex-Offenders (AfeO) Grants: Dedicated to providing housing solutions for ex-offenders, a vulnerable group within the homeless population.
The Council’s proactive measures in this sector have not gone unnoticed. As of now, Nottingham City Council manages over 2,540 open homelessness cases, with approximately 470 families in temporary accommodation and numerous individuals in supported living arrangements.
The Council says that it is dedicated to ensuring that these grants are used efficiently and effectively. A robust budget monitoring regime has been established to track spending and compliance with grant conditions. Additionally, a delegated authority has been granted to the Corporate Director for Growth and City Development to adjust spending programs within financial constraints.
The Council’s approach reflects an understanding of the complexities surrounding homelessness. By focusing on prevention, support, and strategic investment in resources, Nottingham City Council is not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for long-term solutions to this enduring social issue.
The decision to approve and allocate these funds demonstrates the Council’s commitment to tackling homelessness head-on, offering hope and support to the city’s most vulnerable residents.
The decision will be discussed at the Executive Board meeting on 19 December.
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