The York City Council has secured an extra £87,000 to support the expected rise in rough sleeping this winter, with up to 29 extra emergency beds.
The emergency winter provision will ensure that everyone sleeping rough has the option of a warm place to stay.
The extra funding comes following the rise in rough sleeping nationally. Figures released last month by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government show that the number of households facing homelessness has exceeded (320,000) between 2023-2024, the highest on record.
This is an 8% rise on last year and means that more than the population of Nottingham are now homeless in England.
Where possible, this fund can also pay for bed and breakfast for rough sleepers with the lowest support needs.
Director of Housing and Communities at City of York Council Pauline Stuchfield said: “These 29 extra emergency beds are to accommodate the expected increase in rough sleepers over the winter months, whatever the weather throws [at] us.
“This ensures that everyone who sleeps rough can have a warm place to stay as the temperature drops and the health risks of sleeping rough increase. Our winter bed scheme exceeds national guidelines as it is available whether it’s freezing or not.
“We want to do all we can to make rough sleeping in our city rare, brief and a one-off.”
The Council’s housing navigators working on the streets and officers at drop-in sessions offer accommodation that is best-suited to the individual’s situation and support needs.
If that placement is successful, longer-term accommodation with appropriate levels of support is offered, and wherever possible.
This comes after the Council launched a five-year plan to reduce homelessness in York, which will be available for ongoing consultation until the 15th November.