£84 million injection to tackle homelessness in England

£84m cash boost to help prevent homelessness and support families this winter and immediate help for children and families in temporary accommodation

  • New £84m cash boost to help prevent homelessness and support families this winter
  • Immediate help for children and families in temporary accommodation at heart of new package
  • Announced on World Homeless Day, the funding builds on the record £1 billion investment this year to end homelessness and rough sleeping

Thousands of people facing homelessness will be supported by a new £84 million cash injection to councils up and down the country – ahead of winter.

Children and families in temporary accommodation will be prioritised – with the funding to go towards helping families to cover the essentials like food, school travel and laundry. The new funding, which will support children to remain in education, will be announced on World Homeless Day (10 October).

It comes as record levels of households are in temporary accommodation, including nearly 170,000 children. Levels of rough sleeping have more than doubled since 2010.

Areas with the highest pressures, such as London, will be in line for the additional funding to tackle homelessness this year. This comes on top of the government’s almost £1 billion investment to tackle homelessness this year and includes the largest ever investment in prevention services, helping councils intervene early and stop homelessness before it happens.

The investment provides tailored services for those experiencing long-term rough sleeping – including mental health support, drug and alcohol treatment and sustainable accommodation – ensuring people get the help they need to rebuild their lives.

Housing Secretary, Steve Reed said: “Homelessness is a moral stain on our society. Growing numbers of people have been abandoned to sleep rough on the streets and children left in squalid, overcrowded conditions.  

“This government will not stand idly by and allow that to continue. We will make different choices. That’s why we are investing £1 billion to give homeless people the security of a roof over their heads and get back on track to end homelessness for good.”

Yesterday’s investment supports delivery of the Plan for Change, in addition to: 

  • £950 million to increase the supply of good temporary accommodation. 
  • Abolishing ‘no fault’ evictions through the landmark Renters’ Rights Bill. 
  • £39 billion investment to deliver the biggest increase in social and affordable housing in a generation. 

Homelessness Minister, Alison McGovern said: “You can’t have a decent life without a decent home. Whether it’s rough sleeping or sofa surfing or, at its worst, children stuck in B&Bs, homelessness in the UK has been too high for too long.  

“This has to stop. Through our Plan for Change, the UK will build homes and get help to those who need it to put a roof over their head.

“We’re providing extra cash now to address a crisis made over the past decade.  Both the government’s £39bn to build social and affordable homes and the Child Poverty Strategy to come will tackle the root causes of this problem, but we need action now to stop homelessness getting any worse.”

Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: “This funding is very welcome, especially as winter approaches and with homelessness rising. More people are likely to face the prospect of sleeping on cold streets and need support urgently. More parents will be working out how to help their children do homework from cramped and draughty temporary accommodation.

“We know that targeted support can make a big difference and help people take their first steps out of homelessness.

“We hope this announcement marks another step towards an ambitious homelessness strategy. Alongside a concerted effort to build social housing at scale, and ensuring all parts of Government make their contribution to ending homelessness, we can create a safer and more prosperous future for people and families across the country.”

The £84m cash injection includes:  

  • Nearly £70 million for the Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant. This is flexible funding for 62 local authorities to prevent people sleeping rough and help them stay off the streets. This could mean strengthening local services on offer, partnering with charities and community organisations, providing sustainable accommodation to help people sleeping rough and specialist physical and mental health support workers and treatment.  
      
  • Nearly £11 million to help families with children living in temporary accommodation access basic facilities like Wi-Fi, laundry, travel passes for school and uniform, and help pay for food and leisure activities. While the number of children and families living in B&Bs continues to fall under this government, more must be done to get those that need it into safe, secure homes. This funding will be directed to 61 areas with the highest numbers of children in temporary accommodation to make sure that they can have access to facilities they need and support with costs while they are there.  
       
  • £3 million increase for the Rough Sleeping Drug and Alcohol Treatment element of the wider Drug and Alcohol Treatment, Recovery and Improvement Grant. This funding will be directed to 83 local authorities and a pan-London project, targeted at lifesaving support to people with drug or alcohol related issues who are sleeping rough and at risk of homelessness, including those with co-occurring mental health needs.   
  • An uplift of £200,000 for the Voluntary, Community and Frontline Sector Grant which supports innovative faith and community-led initiatives such as night shelters to reduce the number of people experiencing repeat homelessness.    

This funding is supporting the government’s Plan for Change to drive long-term improvements to health and education, ensuring both families and children can truly thrive and forms part of the government’s forthcoming homelessness and child poverty strategies.     

  • World Homeless Day takes place every year on 10 October, raising awareness of the need to prevent and end homelessness and alleviate the suffering of those experiencing it. World Mental Health Day also takes place on 10 October every year – another important topic in homelessness and rough sleeping prevention.   
  • Regional breakdown for total funding being allocated to local authorities is as follows:  
  • London:  £36.5m  
  • South East: £9.6m  
  • South West: £9.1m  
  • East of England: £4m  
  • East Midlands:   £5.3m  
  • West Midlands:  £4.4m  
  • North East:  £1.5m  
  • North West:  £8.2m  
  • Yorkshire & Humber: £5.2m  
  • Total: £83.8m (to note, £200k is allocated to VCFS organisations and is therefore not included in the above regional breakdown as this is for local authority funding only)  
  • The latest government figures show positive signs of fewer people needing help from the homelessness system across the last year. Between January and March 2025, 83,450 households were assessed as owed a duty to prevent or relieve homelessness, which is lower compared to the record high in the same period in 2024.    
  • The number of households with children in B&B has continued to fall since June 2024 when it was 5,910 – at the end of March 2025 it was 3,870.    
  • There is also a continued drop in households with children in B&Bs for more than the statutory 6 weeks – at the end of June 2024 there were 3,770 households compared to the end of March 2025 where there were 2,300.   
  • The government also confirmed it will repeal the outdated Vagrancy Act 1824 by Spring next year, to ensure rough sleeping is no longer a criminal offence: Rough sleeping to be decriminalised after 200 years  – GOV.UK 

Fetlor October Break Activities

This October break we have some exciting activities planned for our groups. Alongside our usual groups we are hosting a family breakfast on the Friday where all are welcome to attend for free!

(PLEASE NOTE: Our Breakfast clubs and our Friday P7-S4 groups will not run this week)

Greater safety for non-surgical procedures

Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers Bill published

A new Bill to regulate some of the most commonly performed non-surgical procedures has been published by the Scottish Parliament.

If passed by parliament, the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill will regulate the provision of certain non-surgical cosmetic and wellbeing procedures to ensure they are carried out in appropriate settings which can meet standards of safety and hygiene.

It will create new offences for providing non-surgical procedures outwith premises where appropriate healthcare professionals are available or to under 18s. It will also give Healthcare Improvement Scotland new powers to enter and search premises where there is a suspicion that these procedures are being carried out in breach of these offenses.

The Bill covers cosmetic and wellbeing procedures, such as Botox injections and dermal fillers, and some of the riskiest including ‘Brazilian Butt Lifts’ and thread lifts. The Bill follows a consultation carried out in 2020, which found 98% of respondents supported the principle of further regulation of procedures led by those who are not qualified healthcare professionals.

Businesses seeking guidance on adapting to the requirements of the Bill will be able to access free support through Business Gateway. 

Additionally, FindBusinessSupport.gov.scot offers a comprehensive overview of funding opportunities, helping them navigate to change.

Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, Jenni Minto said: “Our aim is to ensure there is robust and proportionate regulation in place so that anyone who chooses to have these procedures can do so safely.

“We have worked with a range of stakeholders including business owners, healthcare professionals, non-healthcare practitioners, environmental health officers and professional regulators to develop our proposals.

“Our priority is to address the public safety concerns that exist in this sector, whilst ensuring businesses that may be impacted are able to access support.”

Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill | Scottish Parliament Website.

Local Healthcare Heroes Honoured at Celebrating Success Awards

Healthcare professionals, support staff, and teams at the Western General Hospital who have made an exceptional impact were recognised at NHS Lothian’s annual Celebrating Success Awards.

Lucy Lockhart, Clinical Support Worker at the Western General Hospital scooped the Young Achiever Award.

She joined the surgical High Dependency Unit as an apprentice aged 16 years old. Patients love her warmth, and her colleagues say she’s an absolute joy to work with.  Lucy’s nominators said: “She never fails to make us smile with her kind, compassionate and polite nature.”

The Uro-Oncology Prostate Postal Service team at the hospital took home the Best Example of Quality, Innovation and Productivity Award.

Serving over 2,000 patients, the team have streamlined vital blood test monitoring for cancer patients. Their energy, enthusiasm and willingness to embrace new ideas have helped to save time, money, and improve patient care.

The Caring Champion of the Year Award went to Alison Rogers, Macmillan Cancer Support Centre Lead at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre.

She works tirelessly to support patients, staff or anyone who needs a kind word or a calming presence. From making the centre feel like a cosy haven to sprucing up the garden, she goes above and beyond every single day. Her nominator said Alison doesn’t just support people—she becomes a true friend.

Kelly Moffat, Lead Nurse – Acute Palliative Care for Lothian was awarded for her Leadership Excellence.

Described by her nominator as a true inspiration, Kelly is commended for raising the profile of palliative care across Lothian and uniting teams across the Western General, the Royal Infirmary, and St John’s Hospital.

Her nominator said: “Kelly is professional in all aspects of her work always encompassing the core values of NHS Lothian and delivering outstanding patient centred care.”

Professor John Connaghan CBE, Chair of NHS Lothian Board, said: “It’s always inspiring to hear the incredible stories of care happening every day across Lothian. These awards give us a chance to pause and celebrate the amazing work being done, and it was fantastic to do that in person again this year.

“Our finalists were nominated by colleagues and members of the public for the vital roles they play. They should feel incredibly proud of their achievements for being chosen out of hundreds of entries.”

Caroline Hiscox, Chief Executive, NHS Lothian, added: “It’s a real privilege to celebrate the incredible work of our colleagues across NHS Lothian. Many feel they’re simply doing their job and don’t seek recognition, but that’s exactly why Celebrating Success is so important.

“These awards allow us to shine a light on those who go above and beyond, and who truly embody NHS Lothian’s values. I want to thank all our finalists for their resilience, professionalism, and hard work, and offer my warmest congratulations on their well-deserved achievements.”

“Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination. It demonstrates great leadership to recognise and celebrate the contributions of colleagues.”

Proudly sponsored by NHS Lothian Charity, the awards shine a spotlight on the outstanding contributions of individuals and teams working tirelessly to improve care and support across the region.

Visit news.nhslothian.scot/celebrating-success-finalists/ for the full list of winners and finalists.

OOR BILLY

BILLY FITZPATRICK HAS DIED AFTER A PERIOD OF ILL HEALTH

Billy’s family posted this very sad news on Facebook yesterday:

This morning he passed away at the Western General surrounded by loves ones.

He asked that friends, family, acquaintances, people from his beloved North Edinburgh, and old comrades were given the news when the time came, and in his own words he had a good kick at the baw.

When funeral arrangements are made we’ll update again, thanks x

A proud trade unionist and a popular local councillor who fought for his community, Billy went on to share his negotiating skills and vast experience when he retired from front-line party politics.

Billy supported a number of important community projects, including Granton Information Centre, Royston Wardieburn Community Centre (he chaired both of these long-established community organisations) and North Edinburgh Arts.

Proud ‘Roystoner’ Billy featured in the recent ‘Quiet Heroes‘ exhibition at Madelvic House granton:hub.

Billy wasn’t always so quiet – it’s fair to say that oor Billy could be passionate, fiery even, and he had his fair share of brushes with the Labour Party hierarchy! – but Royston’s very own Quiet Hero fought North Edinburgh’s corner loyally for over forty years.

A genuine working class community stalwart, they just don’t make politicians like Billy Fitzpatrick any more. And our communities, our cities and our country are all the poorer for that.

Farewell, Billy, my dear old Comrade. We shared many good times together, and some dreadful ones too. Throughout all that time, you never changed: loyal, steadfast and honest to the very end.

How we will miss you.

Tomorrow: Volunteer at Montgomery Street Park

🌿🧤 Volunteering in the Park – Saturday 11th & 25th October

Our next volunteer session is this Saturday (11th), 10:30–12:00!

This week’s main task will be preparing the enlarged wildflower meadow for seeding — by removing strips of turf ready for planting later this month.

We’ll also be litter picking and finishing the weeding of the big white steps.

Thanks to Tuesday’s all-day session with SYSTRA volunteers, the old fence around the meadow has been removed and several new wildflower strips are already seeded and protected with wire mesh. The plan is to create 12 strips in total, all safely covered with chicken wire to keep birds off the seeds. 🐦🌱

Our big seeding session will take place on Saturday 25th October — we’re hoping for a strong turnout then as there’ll be plenty to do!

And a huge thank you to Lyn, one of our volunteer committee members, for designing our lovely new volunteering poster, which you can see here.

Everyone’s welcome — no experience needed, just enthusiasm!

☕ Tea, coffee and biscuits provided.

Corstorphine Library: October School Holiday Programme

Here is our week of events for the October holidays! Everything is free and there is no need to book ahead.

Bookbug is on as normal on Tuesday morning and Wednesday afternoon.

On Monday, we will get the Virtual Reality headsets out. Enjoy some experiences and games through the power of VR technology!

On Wednesday, we have Explore Learning joining us with a session on telling the time. While this is aimed at ages 5-7, slightly older children looking to improve their skills can enjoy and benefit from this too.

On Thursday, join Andrew for some spooky stories in the children’s area to get in the mood for Hallowe’en.

On Friday, our usual Crafternoon has also been taken over with a spooky theme. Join in from 2pm, best for middle primary school children.

All week, you can play our board games or on the Xbox One, but if you want to meet people to play with, Saturday afternoon is the time to come in! Staff can also help teach you some new board games.

Scotland honours life and legacy of Sir Geoff Palmer

Hundreds of people gathered in central Edinburgh today (10 Oct) to celebrate the life and legacy of Professor Emeritus Sir Geoff Palmer KT OBE.

Sir Geoff, who died in June aged 85, was a renowned scientist, humanitarian, and the former Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University.

Widely admired as Scotland’s first black professor, he was a tireless advocate for equality and justice.

The memorial celebration, held at the historic St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh’s Old Town, brought together friends, colleagues, dignitaries, and members of the public to pay tribute to his extraordinary contributions.

The service featured personal reflections, speeches, and musical performances by the University’s Chamber Choir, including an uplifting tribute featuring songs by the legendary Jamaican musician Bob Marley.

Speaking afterwards, Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University said: “Today’s memorial celebration has allowed us the opportunity to reflect on the life, work and enduring legacy of Sir Geoff Palmer.

“Sir Geoff was more than a distinguished academic. As Scotland’s first black professor, he broke barriers in science and society, pioneering grain and brewing research while inspiring generations of students and colleagues.

“His scientific achievements, including the internationally recognised barley abrasion process and his leadership in brewing and distilling, are matched by his role as a mentor, teacher and advocate for truth and justice.

“In his service as Chancellor of Heriot-Watt, Sir Geoff brought humility, warmth and an unwavering belief in education as a driver of opportunity. He championed inclusion, encouraged ambition, and reminded us that universities must be places of openness and responsibility to society.

“He also challenged us to confront uncomfortable histories with honesty and courage, ensuring that remembrance was not passive but active. That commitment to fairness, respect and humanity remains one of his greatest legacies.

“His life and values continues to inspire our work at Heriot-Watt and far beyond, and we will carry forward his vision of education, scholarship and justice as a lasting tribute to his extraordinary life.

“In a lasting tribute to his memory, we have launched the Sir Geoff Palmer Memorial Scholarship to support a student of Jamaican descent or Jamaican citizenship to follow in his footsteps; breaking barriers, pursuing excellence, and shaping a fairer future.”

Many of Sir Geoff’s family attended the memorial celebration including his daughter, Catherine Bisset, who said: “We wish to thank everyone who have shared their stories and offered their condolences.  We would also like to thank Marie Curie, who looked after him so well in his final weeks.

“Scotland gave our dad a home and a career, so he was dedicated to giving back through education, public service, and the pursuit of justice. He was also extremely humbled and grateful to have been recognised at the highest level for his work, especially for his impact on Scottish and global economies.

“He was focused and worked incredibly hard, but he also had a brilliant sense of humour, and he loved people.  Most importantly, he saw humanity in all things, and that is his true legacy.”

The memorial was hosted jointly by Heriot-Watt University and the City of Edinburgh Council, represented by the City of Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, who said: “It was an honour and privilege to offer a short reflection on Sir Geoff’s impact upon our Capital at today’s service. This was a tall order, as he achieved so much, and influenced so many people and places.  

“With his gentle manner, Sir Geoff had the ability to persuade policy makers, political leaders, and community leaders alike, of the benefits and richness of equality and diversity – and that we should be able to live in harmony, with mutual understanding and respect for different traditions and heritages.

 “In 2022, I was delighted to present Sir Geoff with the Edinburgh Award in recognition of his academic achievements and his passionate defence of human rights and justice in the city and beyond.

His handprints remain immortalised alongside those of other Edinburgh Award recipients and will give passers-by pause to reflect on the huge impact he had here.

 “He has gifted our city with a strong legacy, improving our collective efforts on academic research, equality, diversity, and tackling discrimination wherever we find it.

“I know Sir Geoff’s legacy in academia and activism will live on for years to come, inspiring future generations.”

In a lasting tribute to Sir Geoff, the University has created a new scholarship in his honour.

The Sir Geoff Palmer Memorial Scholarship will allow a student of Jamaican descent or citizenship to for follow in his footsteps and reflects Sir Geoff’s dedication to opportunity, inclusion and the belief that every student deserves the chance to thrive.

34,200 families in Scotland avoid the Hallowe’en chills by using Tax-Free Childcare

  • More than 34,200 families in Scotland received an average of £100 towards their monthly childcare bills in June 2025
  • Working families encouraged to sign up to Tax-Free Childcare as UK Government top-ups totalled £57.7 million
  • Supporting the government’s mission to grow the economy and deliver on the Plan for Change

Working families are encouraged to sign up to Tax-Free Childcare ahead of the spooky school holidays to avoid tricky childcare bills as latest figures from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) show 34,255 families in Scotland got a savings treat in June.

Paying childcare bills through a Tax-Free Childcare account can save working families up to £2,000 per year for each of their children up to the age of 11 or £4,000 per year up to the age of 16 if the child is disabled.

HMRC is encouraging those yet to sign up for Tax-Free Childcare, to do it now to take advantage of savings on their half term childcare.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “Hallowe’en doesn’t need to be a tricky time for childcare bills. Whether you’re working and have a child in a holiday club or taking time off and planning term-time care, paying your bills with Tax-Free Childcare can help. Go to GOV.UK to start saving today.”

Once a Tax-Free Childcare account is open, for every £8 parents deposit in their child’s account, the government tops it up by £2. Parents can receive up to £500 (or £1,000 if their child is disabled) every 3 months towards their childcare costs.

In June, the government paid a total of £57.7 million in top-ups to Tax-Free Childcare accounts which means each family received, on average, more than £100 to be used towards their childcare bills.

Parents can use Tax-Free Childcare to help pay toward any approved childcare for their child – so that’s nursery for younger children or, for older children who are in school, wraparound childcare, after-school and holiday clubs.

Once families have opened a Tax-Free Childcare account, they can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it’s needed. Any unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time.   

Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they:   

  • have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on 1 September after their 11th birthday. If their child has a disability, they receive up to £4,000 a year until 1 September after their 16th birthday   
  • the parent and their partner (if they have one) earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average   
  • each earn no more than £100,000 per annum   
  • do not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers    

Visit GOV.UK to check eligibility and register for Tax-Free Childcare.

Tax-Free Childcare can be used alongside the free childcare hours, subject to eligibility. 

Dig, Create, Celebrate with Earth in Common this weekend

SATURDAY 11th OCTOBER from 10am – 1pm at VICTORIA PARK

Join us at our new crofts for a day of creativity, connection, and community spirit!

Meet the team behind the redevelopment of our urban space, get hands-on with soil investigations, hula-hoop making or simply come by for a chat with us and your neighbours.

Let’s shape the future of our space—together. 💚

🗓️ Victoria Park — Saturday, 11 Oct, 10am – 1pm

St Margaret’s Park — Saturday, 11 Oct, 10am – 1pm