AN MP is delighted with a new round of Government funding which aims to tackle rough sleeping in Maldon.

The Rough Sleeping Initialtive, organised by the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has been allocated an additional £203 million so 281 local authorities can provide support for people living on the street.

Maldon District Council will receive £5,000 for emergency accommodation and Chelmsford Council will receive £100,000.

Maldon MP John Whittingdale said: “The last year has been particularly hard on those sleeping rough and I am pleased the Government has supported more than 37,000 people during that time, with the numbers sleeping on the streets down by 37 per cent.

“However, we need to go further to end rough-sleeping for good.

“I therefore welcome this additional funding which brings the total available to Essex County Council to £467,863.

“On top of this, Maldon is to receive an additional £5,000 and Chelmsford an additional £100,000.

“I hope that with the support available to councils no-one needs to sleep rough in Maldon or Chelmsford.”

According to Secretary of State Robert Jenrick MP, this year’s round of funding is an 81 per cent increase from the £112 million provided last year for the project which launched in 2018.

Mr Jenrick added: “Of course, money alone is not the answer to this complex, multi-faceted issue.

“We need to bring together housing, mental health care, drug and alcohol addiction support, criminal justice and ensure concerted and determined action by local government, the NHS and many other agencies of government.

“We are determined to ensure no one needs to sleep rough and those in that position are swiftly offered a helping hand.”