Councils will use the funding boost to help vulnerable people secure their own tenancy through support such as, paying deposits or putting down the first months’ rent
£19.5m funding is to be shared among 54 projects to help thousands of people who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, to secure their own home.
This funding boost is part of the £100m Rough Sleeping Strategy which set out detailed plans to end rough sleeping for good.
This will give them an opportunity to make a home in a property they may otherwise not have been able to access.
Out of 4.5 million households living in private rental accommodation, 889,000 receive housing benefit to help pay their rent.
Yet the latest figures show around half of landlords said they would not be willing to let to tenants on Housing Benefit – ruling out thousands of vulnerable people and families.
In the coming months, ministers will meet leading industry representatives, including mortgage providers, landlord associations, tenant groups, and property websites to clamp down on blanket exclusions in adverts – with a view to stopping them altogether.
This builds on ongoing government action to create a fairer housing market that works for everyone.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Heather Wheeler MP said: “I want everyone to have the security, dignity and opportunities they need to build a better life – at the heart of which is ensuring everyone can find a safe and secure home to call their own.
“This funding will make a huge difference in opening up the private rented sector to people who need it and give them the chance to rebuild their lives.
“I will also be meeting key stakeholders to tackle the practice of ‘No DSS’, to underline the need for immediate change.”
Minister for Family Support, Housing and Child Maintenance, Justin Tomlinson added: “Everyone should have the same opportunity when looking for a home, regardless of whether they are in receipt of benefits.”
This investment can be used to fund innovative local schemes which help those sleeping rough and struggling with mental health problems or substance misuse issues. It will give them the wrap-around help they need to get back on their feet.
