Peterborough to receive half a million pounds to help rough sleepers off the streets this Christmas

Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes has welcomed the Government's decision to double funding to end rough sleeping. The announcement comes after the Prime Minister convened his first Rough Sleeping Summit bringing together ministers, MPs, council leaders, mayors, charities and businesses to agree how every part of society can help end rough sleeping for good.

It builds on £442 million announced in August to offer everyone who needs it a route off the streets by Christmas.

Peterborough received £500,000 of that funding in September to support work already under way in the city. Andrew was able to raise the profile of vital local support, like the Light Project, Hope into Action and the Salvation Army.

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The Government is also giving councils new powers to refer homeless households directly to housing associations. Housing associations will no longer be able to turn families away without good reason.

Mr Pakes said the work would continue to provide support after the winter period. He said: "Most of us cannot imagine spending a night sleeping on the streets, but for some people in Peterborough that is still the reality. Behind every person sleeping rough there is a story of hardship, whether it's family breakdown, poor mental health, addiction, debt or losing a job.

"I was proud to represent Peterborough at Downing Street today. I shared our city's experiences, raised the challenges we face locally and learned from what is working elsewhere. The Prime Minister has been clear since his first day in office that rough sleeping should never be accepted as a fact of life, and he is backing that up with real investment.

"Peterborough's £500,000 is already making a difference. Today's funding means that support won't stop when winter ends. We all know that money alone won't solve this. But with government, councils, charities, housing associations, businesses and faith groups all working together we have an opportunity in front of us that simply hasn’t existed before.

“There is no quick fix, but with sustained investment and strong local partnerships we can end rough sleeping in our city for good"