A council has been awarded over half a million pounds to help tackle rough sleeping in the borough.

Redbridge Council has been awarded £625,000 for this year, a 25 per cent increase on last year’s grant of £500,000, as part of the government’s £112 million rough sleeping initiative fund.

The fund's aim is to support local authorities in preventing rough sleeping, and help get those already sleeping rough off the streets.

Cllr Farah Hussain, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said: ”The award acknowledges that unfortunately more and more people are becoming homeless in Redbridge. This money will make a huge difference to these people's lives, although we could obviously do more with additional funding.

“There are many reasons why people become homeless and sleep on the streets, and we will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to support them into secure accommodation. These are some of the most vulnerable people in our society. We are determined to put an end to rough sleeping in our borough.”

The council will shortly be opening Project Malachi in Ilford, a temporary housing scheme, created in partnership with the Salvation Army.

The 'pop-up hostel', made from converted shipping containers, will provide 42 flats with onsite support for people who were previously homeless and rough sleeping.

If you want to help someone sleeping rough, you can contact Street Link on 0300 500 0914 who can arrange for the rough sleeper to get access to local services and support.