Tackling Rough Sleeping in Bedford Borough

Tackling homelessness and rough sleeping is one of Mayor Dave Hodgson's top priorities and we are delighted that in the latest rough sleeper figures for Bedford Borough have shown a 41% reduction in the last year. Bedford Borough still have 30 individuals who are sleeping rough and is working hard to reduce this figure as one person sleeping rough is one too many.

The government has now published the rough sleeper figures for England, and they show we have had much more success in Bedford Borough than many other parts of the country. Bedford Borough is down from a peak of 76 in 2017 and are in the top ten local councils for reduction in numbers.

Earlier this week, Mayor Dave visited the Council's new temporary accommodation that have bought as part of the commitment to creating 50 new units and get those needing help and support into more suitable accommodation.

This follows the opening of the Somewhere Safe to Stay Hub last year and Clarence House, in 2018, to support those with the most complex needs.

The Council has recently secured nearly £1million from the Government for 2020/2021 to provide new and continued support services for those sleeping rough.

Mayor Dave said "We are lucky to have so many excellent local charities that help the Council in tackling homelessness and rough sleeping and the generosity of local residents who support these charities and the voluntary sector. We also have the Real Change Fund locally which is and collaborative venture and administered by the Bedford Homeless Partnership. The Real Change Fund makes a real change to the lives of rough sleepers and helps pay for items to enable people to get off the streets for good. Together, we really can make a difference and I would like to thank everyone who is helping in whatever way they can to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping across the borough."

You can support the Real Change Fund at https://www.bedfordhomeless.org.uk/donate