Authority receives £9.2m to tackle homelessness

A local authority has been awarded more than £9.2m to help prevent homelessness and support rough sleepers.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) said the government funding would be used to help stop at-risk residents from becoming homeless.

It would also be spent on delivering support and accommodation for those impacted by rough sleeping.

The funding awarded to BCP is one of the largest grants to tackle homelessness handed out to councils across the country by the government in Westminster.

Kieron Wilson, the authority's housing lead, said: "This level of funding is much welcomed and works towards our ambition of ending homelessness and supports our vision of ensuring everyone has a safe place to call home."

He said having a home was the "foundation on which we all build our lives", adding that it was fundamental to health and wellbeing.

"That is why we will continue to work with partners across the region to support those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness," said Mr Wilson.

The authority said the investment formed part of its "ongoing commitment to early intervention and targeted preventative action".

It said additional projects would work alongside the council's homelessness partnership, which sees various local organisations cooperate to tackle rough sleeping.

Mr Wilson highlighted a 30% increase in council prevention outcomes in the last year, where it has "kept more people in their homes".

"This funding will ensure we can build on that work and provide positive outcomes through targeted interventions and early support," he said.

Bournemouth was one of six flagship locations targeted in the Prince of Wales' five-year programme to tackle homelessness, launched in 2023.

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