The funding has been awarded through the Government’s new Rough Sleeping Programme, a multi-million national initiative from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, running for three years from 2026/27. The programme aims to provide everyone sleeping rough with a route off the streets, creating longer-term homes and support for individuals facing the greatest barriers to leaving rough sleeping behind permanently. Local Authorities are required to offer accommodation to all rough sleepers by Christmas.
The £5.87 million allocated to Somerset over three years is split as follows: £1 million for 2026/27, £2.26 million for 2027/28, and £2.61 million for 2028/29. This funding will support both new initiatives and the expansion of existing services for people sleeping rough in Somerset. This includes the provision of female-only accommodation and higher-support accommodation for individuals with complex needs.
Councillor Sarah Wakefield, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Adults Services, Housing and Homelessness, stated: "We have been allocated nearly six million pounds to spend over three years in recognition of the significant challenge that rough sleeping places here in Somerset, where it is particularly acute compared to similarly rural counties."
"We know that making a positive change requires sustained and reliable long-term work by the council carried out with our many health and care partners. People sleeping rough need to be able to trust and rely on what is offered to them. The actions we are taking are designed to build this trust and to provide the opportunity for people sleeping rough in Somerset to embark on a journey to safe and secure housing within a package of timely mental health, drug and alcohol, NHS and voluntary sector support to help them reach and sustain this outcome."
The council highlighted that homelessness encompasses more than just sleeping on the streets, including sofa surfing, sleeping in cars, or living in temporary accommodation. Resources are available on the council’s website for those concerned about becoming or currently being homeless.
Earlier this month, Somerset Council and its partners hosted a Rough Sleeping Conference. This event brought together statutory services, providers, and voluntary organisations to foster collaboration, share perspectives, and contribute to Somerset’s Rough Sleeping Partnership Plan, promoting a coordinated approach to preventing and reducing rough sleeping.
Individuals concerned about potential homelessness or needing support should visit the homelessness and prevention page on the council’s website. Anyone witnessing someone sleeping rough is encouraged to alert StreetLink, enabling dedicated teams to arrange outreach support.
