READING is set to see over £1m in funding support from the government aimed at helping to tackle rough sleeping.
Reading Borough Council is among the local authorities set to receive the additional funding directed to areas with the highest rough sleeping pressures
This funding, part of a push to get ‘back on track’ with ending homelessness, will complement an existing 2025/26 Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant which has already been awarded by the government.
Councillors have already begun planning how to put £945,000 of funding to use and are set to work alongside partner agencies in the coming weeks to put a plan together.
The council already offers a a range of support to those people rough sleeping in the town, or at risk of it, includeing working alongside charity partner St Mungo’s to deliver the Severe Weather Emergency Planning (SWEP) response.
This protocol helps those sleeping rough when extreme temperatures put them at an even greater risk.
The Council additionally commissions vital services from Reading’s community and voluntary sector to accommodate and support people rough sleeping. They include The Salvation Army, Reading YMCA and Launchpad Reading.
Over 250 bed spaces, which are in addition to those offered during a SWEP response, are offered across its Homelessness Support Services to help single people and couples who are found rough sleeping, or at risk of rough sleeping.
Plans for the funding need to fulfil certain government criteria, including reducing and preventing rough sleeping by stabilising numbers, increasing prevention services, and further developing partnerships with other agencies.
Reading was also selected to receive a £107,047 grant to support children experiencing homelessness.
This additional funding is intended to increase access to support and services for families with children in temporary accommodation and to make a positive impact on their quality of life whilst they remain in need.
The additional funding is particularly focused toward households in emergency accommodation.
Matt Yeo, Lead Councillor for Housing in Reading, said: “The additional funding from central Government directed into Reading is hugely welcome and will provide a boost for what is already a comprehensive package of support towards tackling and preventing homelessness, and supporting people sleeping rough to break the cycle of homelessness.
“The council takes great pride in the work carried out alongside our community and voluntary sector, and it is encouraging to see the importance of that link between local councils and the third sector recognised by Government.
“Over the coming days and weeks, the Council, alongside our partners, will finalise its plan of action for the winter period, whilst acknowledging that Reading is a successful, busy town. That in itself can encourage people to sleep rough who have no connection to the town, which we know is a challenge.
“The additional funding comes ahead of the winter period, when pressure is greatest, and it will allow us to further strengthen our response and continue making a meaningful difference to the lives of people most in need of support.”
