EXTRA funding is to be given to Dudley Council to help the homeless, as part of a national pilot scheme.

Rough sleepers will be supported by the 'Housing First Project’ which is being rolled out across the West Midlands as part of the national government's National Rough Sleeping Strategy.

The project aims to get vulnerable people off the streets and into accommodation where they can then receive help for complex issues, such as mental health problems and substance abuse.

Councillor Gaye Partridge, cabinet member for housing, said: "No one should have to sleep rough and this is something we take very seriously in Dudley. Our officers respond to reports immediately and do offer accommodation and additional support to those people sleeping rough.

"Often the reasons behind a person’s homelessness are extremely complex and may incorporate mental health issues, domestic abuse and substance misuse. Getting people off the streets is the first step in a long process which requires support from a range of agencies.

"We already have extremely good practice in Dudley and this pilot scheme will allow us to develop this and help other authorities learn from the work that we do."

She added: "We encourage people to report anyone they believe to be sleeping rough in our borough to Streetlink or Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345 so we can provide help and support."