MK City Council award grant funding for homeless prevention service

Milton Keynes City Council are planning to award £175,000 in grant funds to Citizens Advice Milton Keynes (CAMK), with the aim to boost a service that has helped thousands of local people avoid homelessness.

Funding will go to CAMK’s Homelessness Prevention Support Service, which offers free, independent and confidential support on issues including housing, benefits, debt, employment, consumer rights and family matters.

Since partnering with the city council in 2020, CAMK has helped more than 4,000 residents who were at risk of homelessness with practical advice, housing support, financial guidance and mediation. They help people understand their housing rights, negotiate with landlords, manage debt, maximise income and avoid eviction. Based on current demand, CAMK expects to help around 750 households in this way every year.

MK City Council say that the investment, “is part of the city council’s wider work to prevent homelessness before it happens by helping residents address the issues that can put their housing at risk, such as family matters or work-related issues.”

Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Communities, Cllr Donna Fuller, said, “The best way to tackle homelessness is to stop it happening in the first place. That’s why we’re continuing to invest in a service that is already making a real difference for local people.

“CAMK has helped thousands of residents resolve issues that could otherwise lead to homelessness, from debt and financial pressures to housing and benefits problems. This funding will help ensure that support continues, giving people the advice they need to stay in their homes and build greater financial security.”