SOUTH WEST councils will receive an additional £19.5 million of government funding to help prevent vulnerable people from becoming homeless in 2021/22 with Teignbridge receiving £438,000.

Across the country, £310million will?be targeted at areas with high numbers of homeless people,?those?at?risk of homelessness or?those?living in temporary accommodation, helping?them to rebuild their lives.

The funding represents a £47 million increase on this year and can be used by councils to offer financial support?for?people?to?find a new home,?to work?with landlords to prevent evictions or to provide temporary accommodation to ensure families?have?a roof over their head.

Welcoming the funding Central Devon MP Mel Stride said: ;The national effort to tackle homelessness has been one of the silver linings of the pandemic, with the Government’s ‘Everyone In Campaign’ supporting 29,000 vulnerable people over the last year, with two-thirds now moved into settled accommodation.

‘It is vital the Government doesn’t let this progress slip and continues to make the issue a priority so these allocations are very welcome.’

Ashburton and Buckfastleigh Teignbridge District Councillor Sarah Parker-Khan added: ‘This is a very welcome funding boost from the Government to help some of the most vulnerable members in our society.

‘Because there are very few rough sleepers in Teignbridge many don’t see homelessness as a problem, but other forms of homelessness aren’t as visible.

‘These include living in hostels, shelters and refuges, temporarily relying on the sofas of family or friends, or living in unfit or extremely overcrowded housing. Every person or family in this situation needs to be helped.’