Extra pounds 7.9m for homeless

A scheme designed to help homeless people find permanent accommodation received a welcome boost yesterday after the Government made an extra pounds 7.9m available.

The housing minister, James Clappison, said the extra finances should encourage homelessness organisations to come forward and apply for grants to assist with the running costs of their projects.

"For 1997-98 the Government has made available pounds 7.9m which will help single people in housing need," he said.

"In addition to continuing to fund all eligible existing projects, this means we shall be inviting bids from voluntary organisations to set up new schemes."

"The grant programme has been particularly successful in helping homeless people find and keep accommodation and continues to represent good value for money."

The types of projects that have previously benefited from these grants include the national Homelessness Advice Service and the National Association of Citizens' Advice Bureaux.

Applications for aid should be made to Homelessness and Housing Management Policy Division, Zone 2/A2, Eland House, Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DU. David Garfinkel