Over £500,000 has been awarded to Warwick District Council to help tackle homelessness in the district.

From the UK Government's rough sleepers initiative £535,000 has been given to the council to add to the £295,000 already spent in the district this year.

Confirmation of the funding will allow the council to continue with a number of projects to assist those facing homelessness and to provide permanent homes for those previously found sleeping rough.

This includes the purchase and refurbishment of accommodation where residents can receive professional support to assist them in turning their lives around.

Warwick District Council's portfolio holder for homes, health and wellbeing, Cllr Jan Matecki said: "I want to thank my colleagues, outreach teams, local charities and voluntary agencies for their incredible achievements and ongoing support during the Covid-19 crisis.

"Thanks to our combined efforts in the past year the number of rough sleepers has reduced from 21 to three currently.

"Long before the pandemic, this council made a commitment to eradicate rough sleeping in the district. This funding will enable us to fulfil that pledge."