Housing Minister Grant Shapps has announced a major cash boost to improve homeless hostels across the country.

£37.5 million funding for the Homelessness Change Programme has been allocated to help 37 projects improve facilities for rough sleepers and provide almost 1,200 extra bed spaces, including over 320 extra beds in the London area, as well as helping people find employment.

However speaking at the No Second Night Out Conference, Mr Shapps said that in view of the high demand for the funding, a further £5million will be allocated to the Homelessness Change Programme, with further allocations to be announced very shortly.

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He added that this funding will be for councils, charities and housing associations to help transform the lives of people sleeping rough, helping them break the cycle of homelessness and get their lives back on track.

Mr Shapps said: "It is shocking that there are rough sleepers on the streets of 21st century Britain who continue to fall through the net of assistance that's on offer.

"I want all communities to make it their priority to protect the most vulnerable in society. That's why this Government is offering more help to the councils, charities and housing associations who do a fantastic job at helping those living on the streets.

"The £37.5 million I'm allocating today will enable these organisations to reach out to even more vulnerable people, and help break the vicious cycle of rough sleeping that traps them in despair. And because of the high demand for the funding, and because tackling homelessness is my top priority, I'm putting another £5million towards the programme which we will allocate to projects very shortly."

(CD)