Last updated at 11:07, Monday, 25 February 2013

A NEW scheme to tackle homelessness in Cumbria has won backing from the government.

South Lakeland District Council has received £176,000 from the government to spend on behalf of all six district authorities across the county.

The No Second Night Out initiative is a nationwide scheme to get people off the streets and prevent them becoming established rough sleepers.

The six councils have set up a county-wide steering group and will work together to identify those sleeping rough and getting them the help they need, including emergency accommodation, advice and healthcare.

Deputy leader of SLDC councillor Clare Feeney-Johnson said: "Preventing homelessness is a major priority for all the councils across Cumbria and this new scheme will help to tackle the issue."

Councillor George Clements, chair of the Cumbria Housing Executive Group, added: "We welcome this opportunity to work in partnership across the county to tackle an issue that affects each district.

"This is an opportunity for local authorities to take positive steps to ensure that support and accommodation is provided to some of the most vulnerable people on our communities."

First published at 15:17, Friday, 22 February 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk