COLCHESTER Council has secured more than £160,000 in Government funding to fight homelessness across the borough.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has awarded the authority £161,751 to be used to encourage landlords to rent their properties to households who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Work will take place to address affordability issues in the rental market and develop affordable housing options with landlords, who will be supported if a tenancy is at risk of failing.

Tina Bourne, councillor responsible for housing and communities, said: “I am extremely pleased to welcome this Government funding, which will make a significant impact in supporting people who are struggling to secure accommodation.

“We know some Colchester residents experience difficulties accessing and sustaining private rented accommodation.

“This funding will allow us to offer more housing options to those households who are at risk of homelessness and will sit alongside the other work we do to prevent homelessness.

“We will continue to work hard and build on the improvements we have already made.”

In the coming weeks, Colchester Borough Homes is also set to launch its Homestep scheme which gives landlords cash incentives in exchange for a 12-month shorthold tenancy.

Visit www.cbhomes.org.uk/homestep.