Cotswold District Council to provide more support for those facing homelessness in the district
Cotswold District Council continues its commitment to homelessness prevention by providing more support to Ukrainian individuals, families, and other refugee groups in finding permanent homes.
Through the Homes for Ukraine scheme, the Council has been actively supporting Ukrainian families and individuals in finding permanent homes. Additionally, the Council provides assistance with sourcing furniture, white goods, and offers general support to ensure guests have everything they need to set up their homes. The allocated funding will allow us to continue to help with essential aspects such as paying deposits and rent in advance, furnishing properties, and providing temporary accommodation.
Cllr Joe Harris, Leader of the Council, said, "We are delighted to be actively pursuing measures that enhance the living conditions of our refugee guests and tackle the urgent issue of homelessness in our community, which has been on the rise since the pandemic and cost of living crisis.
"We understand that these times are particularly difficult for everyone and understand the immense challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness in our community as they strive to find a home and rebuild their lives. This struggle is particularly pronounced for our refugee guests, who often arrive with very limited resources.
"Our ultimate goal is to maintain and expand our support for everyone in need, be it through assisting them in securing long-term accommodation, providing essential furniture and household items, or helping them access employment opportunities.”
The Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has provided an annual grant allocation to assist with the Prevention of Homelessness, spanning a two year period. As part of this Cotswold District Council has been awarded £144,956 for 2023-24 rising to £153,004 in 2024-25, with an additional £155,966 granted as a top-up for this year.
This grant is ring fenced for homelessness, targeting those most in need and to ensure local authorities are resourced to take action to prevent homelessness and to continue to implement the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, as well as to assist the Council with maximising the support available to those under the Homes for Ukraine scheme in finding sustainable accommodation.
The government has confirmed that the allocated funding can be used flexibly, allowing the Council to determine where these funds are best directed to help those most in need.