Decision details

Rough Sleeper Funding 2025/26

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member - Housing and Highways

Decision status: For Determination

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

To seek Cabinet Member approval for the acceptance and use of the Rough Sleeper Initiative 2025/26 ring-fenced grant funding from MHCLG.

Decision:

Decision(s):

 

(1)

the acceptance of £415,174 Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant 2025/26 ring-fenced funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG), be approved as follows:

 

·       £374,407 – Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant

·       £40,767 – Rough Sleeper Accommodation Programme

 

 

(2)

in consultation with Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and the Section 151 Officer - a supplementary revenue estimate of £415,174 in 2025/26 be approved which will be fully funded by the Rough Sleeper Initiative funding. Future years allocations will be included within the Council’s budget as part of the annual budget setting process.

 

(3)

officers be authorised to pursue contract waivers to existing service contracts in order for the services outlined in the report to be delivered.

 

(4)

Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant 2025/26 funding offer letters be sent as follows:

 

·       Crash Bed Workers – Sefton Supported Housing Group

·       Hospital In-Reach Worker – Sefton Supported Housing Group

·       Housing Options Team Officer – Sefton Housing Options

·       Resettlement Workers – Sefton Supported Housing Group

 

(5)

Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme 2025/26 funding be sent directly to Provider via Homes England:

 

·       Riverside Housing

 

 

Reason(s) for the Decision(s):

 

Sefton received confirmation in December 2024 from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) of the funding for Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Grant in 2025/26.

 

For rough sleeping grants, MHCLG have changed how they have previously awarded funding, moving away from extensive bidding processes and to a direct award for 2025/26.They have also consolidated what were formerly the Rough Sleeping Initiative, and the Accommodation for Ex Offenders grants into a single 2025/26 Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant.

 

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

 

The Council could withhold accepting this grant funding, but this would disadvantage the Authority of its ability to prevent and reduce rough sleeping.

 

Publication date: 12/03/2025

Date of decision: 12/03/2025

Effective from: 21/03/2025

Accompanying Documents: