BASINGSTOKE and Deane is to get a slice of government funding to help get vulnerable people off the streets.

The government announced on Friday councils across the south east are to receive more than £2.2m to provide specialist support to aid vulnerable rough sleepers off the streets for good.

While the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has not specified the amount Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council will receive, a senior councillor has welcome the extra funding.

Borough council deputy leader and Chair of the Social Inclusion Partnership Cllr Terri Reid said: “We are delighted to receive the funding from government to support our work to help vulnerable people get off the streets.

“The money will be used to set up navigator roles to work alongside the existing homelessness support providers in the borough. These roles will support an individual to move through the support services available in the borough, providing some continuity and allowing for a flexible and person-centred approach.

“The roles are yet to be defined but will support and enhance the existing work taking place through the Social Inclusion Partnership.”

Housing and homelessness minister Heather Wheeler MP said: “No-one should ever have to face a night on the streets, and as a government we are taking steps to ensure people are never faced with this as their only option.

“These are vulnerable people who need specialist support to get back on their feet and turn their lives around.

“The funding announced will ensure those sleeping on the streets across the south east have access to professional help and guidance to start their recovery, helping to build on the government’s ambition to end rough sleeping for good.”