Maggs Day Centre, a homelessness charity based in the city, has welcomed a cash boost from central government to prevent rough sleeping in Worcester but said there is more work to be done.
Following a grant of £1.18million to Worcester City Council in December 2024, the government has recently announced a top up of £77,853 as part of its Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant.
The government has said the money will go towards supporting families in temporary accommodation with the cost of essentials, as well as tailored support for those experiencing long-term rough sleeping, including mental health support, drug and alcohol treatment and accommodation.
“We absolutely welcome any additional funding aimed at tackling homelessness and rough sleeping in Worcester and across Worcestershire,” a spokesperson for Maggs said.
“Collaboration between local authorities and frontline organisations like Maggs is crucial in ensuring that this funding translates into real, lasting change for people experiencing homelessness.
“While the announcement is a positive step, the need remains significant, particularly as we move into the colder months.
“Sustainable investment in prevention, support, and recovery services is essential to helping people not only off the streets but towards long-term stability and independence.”
Government housing secretary, Steve Reed described homelessness as a “moral stain”.
“Growing numbers of people have been abandoned to sleep rough on the streets and children left in squalid, overcrowded conditions,” he said.
“This government will not stand idly by and allow that to continue.
“We will make different choices. That’s why we are investing £1 billion to give homeless people the security of a roof over their heads and get back on track to end homelessness for good.”
Worcester City Council did not say how it planned to use the extra funding.
A spokesperson said: “The city council and its partners are committed to prevent homelessness and rough sleeping.
“Our partnership approach provides flexible and targeted support through a range of interventions.
“This ensures that where rough sleeping does occur, that it is brief and tries to prevent it re-occurring.
“Anyone who spots someone sleeping in Worcester can help by reporting their location on the Street Link website. A support officer will then go out to visit them and provide assistance.”