Local MP Mary Macleod has praised a new scheme that will tackle rough sleepers in London. The £5 million ‘Social Impact Bond’ initiative, launched last week by London Mayor Boris Johnson and Housing Minister Grant Shapps, will allow charities to bid for funding based on their success.

Mary commented, “Earlier this year I saw firsthand the fantastic work of the Shelter Project bringing together local churches to help tackle homelessness in our area. I am delighted that the Government has announced extra funding for similar projects. I think that these Social Impact Bonds will ensure that we find long term solutions for this serious problem.”

The £5 million fund, to be administered by the Greater London Authority, will be distributed according to the effectiveness of individual projects. Criteria that will gauge success will include:

• Reducing the proportion of rough sleepers returning to London’s streets
• Reducing admissions to hospital Accident and Emergency Units
• Increasing the number of rough sleepers moved into settled accommodation and employment

London Mayor Boris Johnson commented, “In just three years we have made some real strides towards ending rough sleeping in London. We have already helped three-quarters of the capital's most entrenched rough sleepers off the streets and seen a massive reduction in the number of people spending a second night outside.”

Mary added, “Long term homelessness is a complex problem and one with a variety of causes including alcohol and drug dependency as well as mental health issues. Locally we have a number of important projects that that provide essential support and care to people without a bed for the night. I hope that charities take advantage of this funding and I would be happy to assist anyone looking to get involved in the scheme.”