The Government has pledged to spend £510,210 this year to tackle rough sleeping in Croydon.

Croydon Council will also have access to the Government’s rough sleeping initiative team, which was set up in March this year. The team consists of experts with a proven track record in reducing homelessness.

Croydon South MP Chris Philp said: “People should never have to sleep rough on the streets.

"This commitment from the Government will provide Croydon Council the means to provide real help to rough sleepers who need it.”

“The extra half a million pounds that has been made available to Croydon council has the potential to provide an immediate improvement to the service the council offers rough sleepers.

“It is my hope that the council uses this extra funding to both help those currently sleeping rough, and also for outreach services to vulnerable people at risk of becoming homeless.”

Witht he money council will work with local housing associations, charities and the voluntary sector to provide 10 one-bedroom flats for rough sleepers, as well as support for their medical needs, including their mental health and any substance misuse.

Councillor Alison Butler said: “The idea is to first give our most vulnerable people somewhere to call home, and this allows them to receive help for complex needs that previously could not be sustained by the usual homelessness services we provide.

“This major funding means the council and its partners can give specialist housing and the support needed to reduce the number of people rough sleeping in Croydon.

“The Government only gives grants of this size if councils demonstrate their schemes can deliver results, so this decision is a real boost for Croydon’s approach to tackling homelessness with our partners.”