Foord calls for clarity over future of homelessness funding

Responding to Devon County Council’s decision to pause a planned cut to the Council’s homelessness prevention funding, Liberal Democrat MP Richard Foord said:

 “I welcome this decision by Devon County Council. Cutting this important funding would be a short-sighted measure that would mean more people living in poverty on our streets.

“We know that increased homelessness puts a strain on a variety of taxpayer-funded services, particularly on those who support vulnerable people down the line. So protecting this funding for prevention will help ensure taxpayers' money is spent effectively.

“However, the future of this funding is still unclear. The work of organisations like the YMCA and St Petrock's is crucial and these organisations need more certainty over their financial future.

“I urge Devon County Council, and District Councils across Devon, to come together and hash out a plan that ensures we can keep people off our streets and prevent a surge in demand on already overstretched local services.”