- Braintree District Council
- Chelmsford City Council
- Epping Forest District Council
- Maldon District Council
- Rochford District Council
These funds will be directed towards providing long-term support and financing for 44 accommodation units, ensuring that individuals have access to safe and stable housing until at least March 2025.
This initiative is a crucial part of the Government’s Next Steps Accommodation Programme, initially launched to address the urgent housing needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The programme has since evolved to include efforts aimed at preventing individuals from returning to life on the streets.
Our partnership with these five councils demonstrates our collective commitment to eradicating rough sleeping in Essex. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that no one in our county has to endure the hardship of sleeping rough.
Councillor John Spence, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care, and ICS Integration, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating:
“This is a modest further sum, but must be taken in context of considerably larger grants won by the partnership. Homelessness is a major issue and we know that rough sleeping is not just a sadness for those involved, but is a problem that impacts the wider community. We appreciate all funding contributions.”
As part of our ongoing efforts to address homelessness, Essex County Council are also pleased to announce the Essex Prison Release Housing Protocol. This protocol is designed to prevent ex-offenders from facing homelessness upon their release, ensuring a smoother transition into society.
source: Essex County Council
