When writing about policy updates in the areas First People specialises in, it is easy to get into a routine of looking through a national lens. When debates happen in Westminster, or announcements are made outside Downing Street, it is rarely that they are considered through local contexts. 

Policymakers are of course tasked with overseeing constituencies, but the vast majority of announcements that make the news are those that impact the whole country. 

Homelessness is no different in this regard. While London has the highest concentration of homelessness in England, significant pressures also exist in towns and cities across the country, including Slough and Manchester, as well as parts of the South East. For a community interest company (CIC) working in Hertfordshire, understanding the national picture matters, but so does examining what is happening closer to home.

North Hertfordshire District Council (NHDC) has received approximately £2.9 million in government funding through the Homelessness, Rough Sleeping and Domestic Abuse Grant for the financial years from 2026/27 to 2028/29. This ring-fenced funding is intended to tackle homelessness in line with local authorities’ legal responsibilities and government priorities, including ending rough sleeping.

In September, NHDC approved proposals allocating around £1.6 million to a range of homelessness services. These include over £900,000 for One YMCA’s supported accommodation at Anderson House in Hitchin, more than £500,000 for Lets4U to help people access private rented housing, and around £140,000 for specialist services in 2028/29, including housing advice, domestic abuse support and outreach to rough sleepers. 

The funding is fantastic, and something journalists and bloggers can attach some substance to, but behind these figures, are people whose lives can be changed by practical, timely assistance.

For someone leaving temporary accommodation, help with a deposit, rent in advance or essential furniture could be the difference between securing a home and remaining in housing insecurity. For someone who has been sleeping rough, access to safe accommodation can provide the first opportunity in months, and in some cases years, to feel secure - something we all could probably be accused of taking for granted.

People experiencing homelessness may be dealing with trauma, poor mental health, financial hardship, substance use or the effects of domestic abuse. Moving into accommodation does not automatically resolve these challenges. Without appropriate support, managing bills, maintaining a tenancy, accessing healthcare and navigating benefits can become overwhelming. 

A lot of the rhetoric surrounding benefits is that they exist only to help those who do not wish to work. I think this is lazy and unsupported, and was quietly pleased to see the shadow Chancellor reminded of this at the recent Tory party conference. 

The council’s funding provides an opportunity to sustain essential services and strengthen homelessness prevention. However, demand for affordable housing remains high, and uncertainty about funding beyond March 2029 presents challenges for long-term planning.

Our last blog explored announcements made at the Labour Party Conference, including proposals to give councils greater powers to increase access to social housing, refer homeless households to housing associations, and make it easier for councils to purchase social homes that providers are seeking to sell.

First People has welcomed many of the announcements made since July, but our previous blog included an important caveat: “The test isn't whether the policy sounds good; it's whether councils and housing providers have the money, homes and powers to implement it.”

That principle applies just as much here. NHDC has received some form of ring-fenced government homelessness funding for more than 20 years. It is important, but its impact depends on how effectively it is used, whether services can respond to local needs and whether people receive the support necessary. 

There is immense value in listening to people with lived experience and ensuring their perspectives help shape the services intended to support them. Collaboration between local authorities, housing providers and charities is essential if funding is to translate into lasting change.

By investing in prevention, accommodation and continued support, organisations like First People, and those that received funds from the government, can help more people across Hertfordshire out of homelessness.