Government launches Next Steps Accommodation Programme

Launched on 18th July by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick, this programme is the next step in the government’s plans to help ensure some of the most vulnerable people in society continue to have a roof over their heads and are helped into long term accommodation.

This programme aims to support local authorities and their partners to ensure that the current provision that has been set up to safeguard people who were taken safely from the streets is able to continue for an appropriate length of time. Bids are now open for a share of £105 million to support this work during 2020/21. Organisations wishing to bid must clearly demonstrate in their proposal how the funding will be used to rapidly support those in COVID-19 emergency accommodation.

The Next Steps Accommodation Programme also comprises another £161 million fund for local authorities in 20/21 available for additional long-term accommodation which was announced in May by the Secretary of State. This is part of an overall £433 million for the lifetime of this parliament to deliver 3,300 units of longer-term, move-on accommodation.

Full details of the bidding process for the fund is available at Next Steps Accommodation Programme: guidance and proposal templates (opens new window). The deadline for submitting bids is Thursday 20 August at 11:59pm.