Mary secures £893,000 cash for Coventry homeless families

Mary Creagh MP for Coventry East has secured a funding injection of £893,000 to tackle homelessness and rough-sleeping in Coventry.

On World Homelessness Day, the Labour Government has announced a £84m cash boost nationwide to help prevent homelessness and support families this winter – with £893,000 for Coventry out of £4.4 million across the West Midlands.

Thousands of people facing homelessness in Coventry will be supported by this new cash injection. Families and children in temporary accommodation will be given priority. The funding will help them cover everyday essentials such as food, laundry and school travel, to support children to remain in education.

After 14 years of Conservative government, levels of rough sleeping have more than doubled since 2010. Record levels of households are in temporary accommodation across the country, including nearly 170,000 children.

This announcement comes on top of the Labour government’s almost £1 billion investment to tackle homelessness this year and includes the largest ever investment in prevention services, helping councils intervene early and stop homelessness before it happens.

The investment provides tailored services for those experiencing long-term rough sleeping – including mental health support, drug and alcohol treatment and sustainable accommodation – ensuring people get the help they need to rebuild their lives.

Mary Creagh CBE, Labour Member of Parliament Coventry East said:

“The moral stain of homelessness and rough-sleeping increased in our city under the last Conservative Government. I know from speaking with people in our communities that tackling this problem is a priority. I’m pleased this Labour Government is taking action and providing the resources needed to address this crisis in Coventry and across the country.” 

“This government will not stand idly by and allow that to continue. We will make different choices. That’s why we are investing £1 billion to give homeless people the security of a roof over their heads and get back on track to end homelessness for good.”

Today’s investment supports delivery of the Labour government’s Plan for Change, in addition to:

• £950 million to increase the supply of good temporary accommodation

• Abolishing ‘no fault’ evictions through the landmark Renters’ Rights Bill

• £39 billion investment to deliver the biggest increase in social and affordable housing in a generation.