The government has awarded an extra £100,000 to prevent vulnerable households in Huntingdonshire becoming homeless this winter.  

The grant given to Huntingdonshire District Council has been allocated to top up funds already being used to help families and the homeless through the winter months.  

It goes towards supporting vulnerable households so they can either stay in their current home, or move to an alternative property.  

Preventing homelessness, or addressing it as soon as possible, also helps alleviate the need and pressure on temporary accommodation.  

Cllr Stephen Ferguson, Executive Councillor for Customer Services, said the council and its partners have prevented more than 400 families from becoming homeless this year.  

He said: "It is extremely important that our most vulnerable people in the district have access to support.  

“Our joint administration realise that families are facing ever-increasing difficult choices and struggling to make ends meet because of the cost-of-living crisis.” 

He added: "The district council works with a number of organisations that offer advice and support on debt-related matters and help with budgeting.  

"We have successfully prevented or relieved 408 households from homelessness this year through early interventions.  

"This additional funding will allow us to help more households faced with the threat of homelessness and we would encourage anyone facing difficulties that may lead to homelessness to seek help." 

The exact amount that will top up the Homelessness Prevention Grant is £106,836.  

It will also be used to help rough sleepers with emergency accommodation as well as offering support to enable them to move on from their current situation. 

The government has made this new funding available immediately to local authorities across England, in addition to its £2bn effort to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping over the next three years.  

Jonathan Djanogly, MP for Huntingdon, explained the portion of extra funds for Huntingdonshire District Council comes from a £50m pot the government is distributing nationally.  

He said: “As the winter months approach it is more important than ever that those who most need support can access it.   

“That is why I am pleased the government have announced an additional £50 million in funding for the Homelessness Prevention Grant, including over £106,000 for Huntingdonshire District Council.   

“This will go a long way to further protecting vulnerable local households this winter and I will continue to push for extra support wherever it is needed.”