Mansfield could be set for £450,000 cash boost to combat rough sleeping in the district

In a delegated decision made by Councillor Craig Whitby, portfolio holder for corporate and finance, at Mansfield District Council on Wednesday, March 10, the authority accepted a total of £102,657 to combat the problem from central government.

The cash, awarded by the Rough Sleeper Initiative, is to fund a specialist housing-led project to run until the end of June this year.

But the council is also bidding for a further £346,169 to extend the scheme until March 2022.

In 2019, Mansfield had the highest number of rough sleepers recorded in the county, outside of Nottingham, with 22 homeless people on the streets.

However, due to intervention, the district recorded seen rough sleepers the following year – and just two were recorded in a snapshot study this year, according to council figures.

A report from housing operations manager, Christine Fisher, states: “The Mansfield First Steps project has been a very successful project in reducing the rough sleeper figures in Mansfield. The official 2020 rough sleeper count number was seven and on the weekly street outreach report we are finding two rough sleepers.

“The project will continue to deliver supported housing for multiple complex needs clients but the funding will allow for extended specialist roles in the project such as a consultant psychologist, counselling sessions and an employment worker.

“With the new funding we want to sustain the tenancies of the clients that we have accommodated and offer specialist support for their mental health needs.”

Editor’s message: In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Ashley Booker, editor.