MP James Heappey has welcomed the news that Mendip is set to receive £150,000 from the Government to tackle rough sleeping in the area.

James Brokenshire MP, Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government has announced the funding as part of a £30million initiative, which is being implemented across the country.

The Government has pledged to halve rough sleeping by 2022 and eliminate it altogether by 2027.

Mr Heappey, MP for the Wells constituency which includes Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge, said: “Every homeless case is a tragedy and I am pleased to see the Minister investing in making sure we tackle rough sleeping.

“I’ve slept rough with the YMCA and regularly meet with organisations in my constituency which work hard to eradicate this issue. I am glad the Rough Sleeping Initiative will be working with Mendip District Council going forward.”

The money allocated across the country will fund more outreach workers to engage with people on the streets, specialist mental health and substance misuse workers and dedicated co-ordinators to drive efforts to reduce rough sleeping in their areas.

It will also provide for over 1,700 new bed spaces including both emergency and settled accommodation.

Secretary of State Mr Brokenshire said in a written statement: “I am confident this package will achieve substantial results in these areas of high need. It will also build upon the work we have already undertaken in order to meet our manifesto commitment.

“The new Rough Sleeping Initiative team will work closely with local areas to implement the plans and to monitor their progress.”