A major new national drive to get people off the streets this winter has been welcomed by Worcester Labour.
The Labour Government has announced a £442 million package to tackle rough sleeping, with everyone sleeping rough to be offered a route off the streets this winter if they need it.
The programme will combine immediate accommodation with longer-term help addressing housing, health and other needs, with more than 1,000 settled homes due to be delivered over the next three years alongside intensive support.
Homelessness in Worcester
Although rough sleeping is the most visible form of homelessness, it is only part of the problem facing Worcester.
Worcester City Council’s most recent annual homelessness report recorded 24 people sleeping rough in the city on the night of its October 2024 count.
During 2024/25, the council received 2,121 approaches from people seeking homelessness assistance. Following initial advice and assessment, 760 cases resulted in the council accepting either a Prevention or Relief duty.
The council has been working with local organisations to provide outreach, emergency accommodation and longer-term support, including Housing First and No Second Night Out services.
There has also been progress in reducing the use of unsuitable temporary accommodation. The average number of households in temporary accommodation fell to 41 during 2024/25, and no families had been kept in bed-and-breakfast accommodation for longer than six weeks for eight consecutive quarters.
From emergency help to a settled home
The Government’s new programme is intended to go beyond simply providing somewhere to sleep for a night.
Alongside emergency accommodation this winter, funding will support settled homes and intensive help for people who may have experienced long-term homelessness and have complex health, housing or support needs.
The Government is also providing funding for charities and community organisations working directly with people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
For Worcester, the announcement offers an opportunity to build upon the work already being carried out by the City Council and organisations across the city.
No-one should have to sleep rough. The combination of national investment, local action and the work of Worcester’s voluntary organisations gives us the chance not merely to get people off the streets, but to help them build secure lives.