A new scheme to help protect some of the most vulnerable people in our communities from COVID-19 has been announced by the Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick today.
A further £15 million has been allocated nationally to support the ongoing efforts to provide accommodation for rough sleepers during the pandemic. This scheme – called the ‘Protect Programme’ – will help areas that need additional support most during the restrictions and throughout winter.
Cornwall Council will receive £570,000 of this funding, which will run alongside the ongoing ‘Everyone In’ campaign, which is helping to protect thousands of lives during the pandemic – by September nationally it had supported over 29,000 vulnerable people, with two-thirds now moved into settled accommodation.
The £15 million funding is on top of the £91.5 million allocated to 274 councils in September to fund their individual plans for rough sleepers over the coming months, as well as the £10 million Cold Weather Fund for all councils to help keep rough sleepers safe this winter.
Welcoming the funding was St Austell and Newquay MP Steve Double, who said:
“The Government’s work to protect rough sleepers from COVID-19 has been a major part of our response to this virus and I am pleased to see more funding allocated to help Cornwall Council in its work in assisting this particularly group of people at this difficult time.”
“This funding follows the £4.4million allocated to Cornwall to help rough sleepers secure permanent accommodation this week and I hope will continue the trend that we have seen of reducing homelessness in Cornwall since before the pandemic.”
“I look forward to seeing what Cornwall Council’s plans for this money are and will be working with them to ensure it is used in the best possible way.”