Funding to end rough sleeping set to double: our response

The Prime Minister has previously committed £442 million to offer everyone who’s rough sleeping a route off the streets by Christmas.

This morning, he announced an additional £432 million that will come in 2027. It will be used to support people beyond Christmas, helping them to stay in their homes.

With 216 people* officially sleeping rough in Kent and Medway, the need could not be more urgent. Every night that someone spends on the streets is one too many.

Funding for long-term support that allows people to stay in their homes is significant. Having a safe home is the beginning of the journey but it’s not the end of the journey. Helping people to address challenges such as trauma, mental ill health and debt means they can rebuild their life and never return to the streets.

We’re pleased that support to help people stay in their homes is being prioritised by the Government. But this support is needed urgently as we enter into winter - a dangerous time for people who are rough sleeping.

We believe this support must start as soon as someone moves off the streets and continue for as long as they need it. Funding must reach frontline services quickly.

To assist with this work, Porchlight is preparing to launch its Christmas fundraising appeal. We are asking the public to stand with people facing homelessness this winter by donating and allowing us to deliver support that keeps people in their homes – from the moment they’re given a route off the streets.

We stand ready to work with partners across Kent and Medway to turn the Government's ambition into lasting change.