Alok Sharma, the local Member of Parliament for Reading West, has welcomed a funding boost of £184,286 for West Berkshire Council to tackle rough sleeping, as part of the Government’s Next Steps Accommodation Programme (NSAP). Reading Borough Council is set to receive an additional £761,241 in funding. 

274 councils are set to receive the housing support for vulnerable people as part of the range of financial assistance made available by the Government to help local authorities overcome the impact of Covid-19. 

The Next Steps Accommodation Programme will cover property costs and support new tenancies for around 15,000 vulnerable people. Local councils will share over £90 million in funding to provide interim accommodation and support for the most vulnerable people. This will help make sure people continue to have a safe place to stay and can begin to rebuild their lives with wrap-around services and care.  

Furthermore, £433 million has been allocated to provide 6,000 safe and long-term homes for those in need. £161 million of this funding is available this year to provide 3,300 units of supported housing for those in emergency accommodation.  

Alok Sharma said: “I am delighted that both West Berkshire Council and Reading Borough are set to benefit from additional funding as part of the Government’s Next Steps Accommodation Programme. This funding will help tackle homelessness across the constituency and will provide vital support to those who need it most as we continue to fight against coronavirus.” 

Hilary Cole, Executive Member for Housing and Homelessness at West Berkshire Council, said: “We were proactive in applying for this important funding and are grateful to receive it. It will help us continue our work with those sleeping rough to secure accommodation and to access the wider support they need.” 

“Reducing rough sleeping is a key Council priority and this money will enable us and our partners to continue with this work. I would like to thank all the individuals and organisations who work so tirelessly with us to reduce rough sleeping and the impacts of rough sleeping in West Berkshire.” 

“Through the new funding, we will be able to continue this work. It will help provide accommodation in the private rented sector, secure interim accommodation and allow us to assess the wider support needed for these vulnerable people to rebuild their lives. As we approach the colder weather the good this funding will do in keeping people off the streets cannot be underestimated.”