£150k for homeless supported accomodation

Blackburn with Darwen Council has made a £150,000 grant to keep 100 bedsits for supported accommodation for the homeless in the coming year.

The cash for Stepping Stones was approved by the authority’s housing and public health boss, Cllr Damian Talbot.

In a report to council colleagues, he says: “Approval is requested to continue grant funding of £150,000 for 2026/27 from the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Grant to Stepping Stones.

“This is a 12‑month extension to the decision approved in July 2025 to support Stepping Stone Projects.

“This funding supports essential services at Cherry Bridge Lodge and Skye Crescent Lodge, which together provide 100 units of housing in multiple occupation (HMO) supported accommodation for individuals experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

“The continuation of this funding will maintain effective support that prevents tenancy failure and repeat homelessness, sustains move‑on pathways and reduces pressure on emergency accommodation, and supports the delivery of the council’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy.

“Without this investment, the risk of evictions, rough sleeping, and increased demand on high‑cost services would significantly rise.

“The total funding requested is £150,000 for one year, fully covered by the ring‑fenced Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Grant, with no additional impact on the general fund.

“The funding ensures the continuation of essential support services that enable residents to stabilise, develop independent living skills, and progress into long‑term settled accommodation.

“Cherry Bridge Lodge and Skye Crescent Lodge form a critical part of the borough’s supported accommodation pathway.

“Collectively, they offer 100 units of supported HMO accommodation for single adults with a range of support needs, including:

“• Rough sleepers and those with a history of street homelessness;

“• Individuals with complex needs that limit their access to mainstream housing; and

“• People transitioning out of emergency accommodation.

“While both schemes are partly funded through Housing Benefit, several essential support functions provided on‑site are ineligible for Housing Benefit subsidy.

“These include:

“• Housing‑related support;

“• Casework and move‑on planning;

“• Tenancy sustainment skills; and

“• Support to engage with health, treatment, and employment services.

“Stepping Stones has provided consistent and effective support across both sites, achieving strong outcomes aligned with the council’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy.

“Key performance indicators over the last 12 months include:

“• A high proportion of residents supported into move‑on accommodation, reducing repeat homelessness;

“• Increased engagement with specialist health and wellbeing services;

“• A reduction in evictions and abandonment due to sustained tenancy support; and

“• Improved stability and reduced demand on higher‑cost crisis services (e.g. temporary accommodation, outreach interventions).

“Continuation of the support model is essential to maintain these outcomes.”