Five councils are set to benefit from a share of £300,000 to help tackle rough sleeping.

The successful bid to the Next Steps Accommodation Programme led by Essex County Council will benefit Maldon District Council and Braintree District Council.

The government scheme aims to help rough sleepers who are brought into emergency accommodation in response to Covid-19.

It is hoped that it will reduce rough sleeping across England in the long term.

The funding, which cover up until the end of March, will able the councils to build on local partnerships to provide accommodation over the winter months.

Councillor John Spence, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care said: “Thanks to positive collaboration with our district and city partners we are delighted to have been successful in our bid.

"By working together, we can make a real difference in addressing the problems of homeless rough sleeping in Essex with the long-term aim of eradicating it completely.”

Chelmsford City Council, Epping Forest District Council and Rochford District Council will also benefit from the funding.