Grant awarded to help prevent homelessness

A grant of £353,614 has been awarded to help protect people from homelessness in South Holland.

The government has presented the Homelessness Prevention Grant to South Holland District Council to cover work in the next two years.

The authority has faced rising costs associated with its role of providing shelter for the homeless.

When asked what the funding will be spent on, a South Holland District Council spokesman, said: “It will support a number of officers in South Holland to help prevent homelessness and support those residents who are currently at risk of becoming homeless.

“South Holland District Council aims to support residents avoid these stressful times and works with the residents of the district to find suitable accommodation that meets their needs as soon as possible.”

Councillors believe South Holland’s role in the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership helped secure the funding.

Its partners in it East Lindsey and Boston Borough Council have been given £878,442 and £294,284 respectively.

A joint statement, Coun William Gray portfolio holder for communities at East Lindsey District Council, Coun Martin Griggs Portfolio holder for housing and communities at Boston Borough Council and Coun

Christine Lawton portfolio holder for HRA and private sector housing at South Holland District Council reads: “We know being homeless or threatened with homelessness can be very frightening and cause anxiety and stress. Our teams work with partner agencies and are committed to doing everything possible to advise and assist vulnerable residents with their housing options.

“This additional funding announced by the government is a welcome boost to help our teams across the Partnership support some of the most vulnerable people in our communities over the next two years.”

The minister for housing and homelessness, Felicity Buchan said: “Everyone should have a safe and secure home.

“This government is determined to prevent homelessness and to get vulnerable families and individuals the support they need.

“Whether it’s emergency housing, support to pay a deposit, or mediation to prevent eviction, the package will provide help to those who need it the most at the discretion of those who know them best.”