Devon council extends and increases homeless funds

Devon County Council has confirmed that homelessness prevention funding has been extended.

YMCA Exeter said the council had "made an excellent decision".

In a meeting on 9 February the council confirmed that it would continue to fund the 18-plus homeless prevention contribution until March 2025.

The council suggested cutting the funding in February 2023 and held a public consultation, inviting local people to give their opinions.

By July 2023, it revealed 100% of respondents had said "no" to a potential funding cut.

The council later said there was a "little more money in the pot".

The homelessness budget has been increased by an extra £716,000 to £1.45m, according to the council.

Si Johns, joint CEO of YMCA Exeter, said: "This news is a wonderful result for all those who seek to help the homeless all across Devon.

"For YMCA Exeter, the £157,000 a year we receive from DCC enables us to intercede at the crisis point of a young person's life and give them the tailored, supported care they need to move forward."

The homeless charity also said they were "committed" to working with DCC and the district council to agree longer-term arrangements for homelessness services.

Cabinet member for finance Phil Twiss said the final government settlement was announced after the draft budget was published and that he was pleased the council could include some extra spending.

"We also recognise the work that district councils and organisations like the YMCA do to make life a little easier for some of the homeless and I am delighted we are able to continue to help with a full grant," he said.

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