MORE than £200,000 of government funding has been issued to help the town tackle rough sleeping.

The money was announced by minister of housing, communities and local government, MP James Brokenshire, on March 25.

Councils across the country will share over £46 million to help get people off the streets and into accommodation.

Taunton Deane Borough Council will receive £213,739 to help ease the problems in the town.

Communities Secretary, Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP said: “The £100 million-backed Rough Sleeping Strategy sets out this government’s blueprint for ending rough sleeping for good.

“We are taking the necessary steps to make that happen, already providing 2,600 additional beds and 750 more support staff for the most vulnerable people in our society.

“But we must keep up the momentum and that’s why we are giving this funding to areas and projects that need it, ensuring progress continues to be made and people are given the help they need to turn their lives around.”

TDBC also received £231,590 in June 2018 which paid for specialist support to assist rough sleepers into accommodation and through the transition to independent living.

The council says the recent allocation is recognition of the results achieved so far and will enable the work it has been doing to continue.

TDBC says it has been working with partners including the police, ARC (formerly Taunton Association for the Homeless), The Open Door, Somerset County Council and other support agencies to ensure that appropriate and necessary steps are being taken with every individual rough sleeper, prioritising those that are causing anti-social behaviour.

A spokesman for the council said: "The “Streetwise” multi-agency team, funded by TDBC, is operating both proactively and reactively to identify and address the issues of rough sleeping, begging and anti-social behaviour; and develop a joined-up service for rough sleepers to help them break the cycle of homelessness and addiction.

"Initiatives so far have included street wardens on patrol in Taunton town centre to provide reassurance for shoppers and visitors, and support to rough sleepers.

"A Diverted Giving scheme is also in place, which means that people can donate money directly to the local charity Open Door rather than giving directly to people begging on the streets.

"Open Door uses the cash to provide meals, showers, laundry and support to rough sleepers from its base in Mount Street."

According to the council, as a result of this work, the number of rough sleepers in Taunton has dropped by more than a third.

The council has reassured the public the Streetwise agencies will continue to work proactively to provide the necessary support to individual rough sleepers who are benefitting from this as well as the wider community.