Stafford council given £731k to reduce homelessness
More than £730,000 has been given to Stafford Borough Council to reduce homelessness and rough sleeping in the area in the next year.
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The Government funding includes an increase in the Homeless Prevention Grant of more than £90,000 compared to last year, which is to be used for measures including a Citizen’s Advice specialist housing advice worker.
Money will also be allocated to continue a supported housing scheme for former rough sleepers with complex needs, run by Turning Point. The location of the accommodation has not been publicly revealed, but a report last year said it was having a “positive impact on the quality of people’s lives”.
On Thursday (May 15), members of the council’s cabinet were given details of the Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Funding allocation for 2025/26. Councillor Jill Hood, cabinet member for community, said: “Stafford Borough Council’s total allocation is £731,338.
“The rough sleeping prevention and recovery grant funding is £260,153 and is a project by Turning Point, which is made up of six units of purpose-designed accommodation, with 24/7 staffing, for rough sleepers with complex needs. Myself and (council leader Aidan Godfrey) were very privileged to be invited to have a look round and it is a really impressive set up, with good results, but of course some challenges.
“The rough sleeper accommodation programme funding is £38,953. It’s a programme run by Waythrough and Housing First Accommodation, with five units of dispersed accommodation for rough sleepers in the community, and is supported by House of Bread.
“The Homeless Prevention Grant funding is £429,232 for staffing the Sanctuary scheme, Eagle House supported accommodation uplift, homeless prevention and rough sleeper personalised budgets, also the Carter case management system, a Citizen’s Advice specialist housing advice worker and emergency accommodation repairs and maintenance. Funding is ringfenced and should be focused on preventing homelessness, as well as funding the provision of temporary accommodation, and to continue to establish the changes required through implementation of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
“In 2024/25, Stafford Borough Council worked with partner agencies to prevent over 1,100 households from becoming homeless. The homelessness and rough sleeper funding is being used to try and help people remain in their properties and reduce the negative impact of homelessness and financial risks to the council.”
