Funding set to double for plan to get rough sleepers off streets by Christmas

The UK government will add £432m to its plan to ensure everyone sleeping rough in England can access accommodation or support by Christmas. The funding will supplement the £442m announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, bringing total investment to £874m and extending support to the end of the Parliament. Specialist outreach teams and new beds are operating in Coventry, with provision due to expand in Plymouth and Camden in north London. The National Housing Federation is working to identify at least 2,000 homes and bed spaces, including empty properties that could be brought back into use.