Councils aim to provide accommodation and support for those on the streets

Author: Sam RhodesPublished 3 hours ago

The West Midlands will receive £5.5 million from the Government to support rough sleepers this Christmas.

The funding, announced by Mayor Richard Parker, will be distributed to seven councils across the region, including Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, and Wolverhampton.

The investment aims to provide accommodation and support for those sleeping on the streets.

The most recent figures show 158 people sleeping rough on a single night in the West Midlands, equating to 5.1 people per 100,000 of the population.

Birmingham will receive the largest share with £2.6 million, followed by Coventry (£815,000), Wolverhampton (£505,000), Sandwell (£533,000), Walsall (£394,000), Solihull (£360,000), and Dudley (£317,000).

The initiative will roll out innovative approaches developed during the pandemic alongside practical help with housing, health, and other needs.

Councils, charities, and other organisations in the region are keen to prevent homelessness and support people at risk.

This latest funding aims to ensure no one has to sleep rough before getting the help they need to rebuild their lives.

During a visit to Coventry, Mayor Richard Parker highlighted the importance of ongoing efforts in supporting vulnerable individuals.

“Hearing the stories of people sleeping on the streets left me in no doubt about how quickly homelessness can strip away your health, confidence, and opportunities,” Parker said.

“There is brilliant work happening across the West Midlands, with councils, charities, and others working hard to prevent homelessness and support people at risk.”

Councillor Naeem Akhtar of Coventry City Council expressed gratitude for the funding.

“This cash will be a real boost and how we spend it will be a real team effort, helping to continue the good work we do here in Coventry,” Akhtar said.

Earlier this year, £18 million was allocated by the West Midlands Combined Authority Investment Board to address homelessness and rough sleeping in high-need areas like Birmingham and Coventry.