CHICHESTER District Council has secured funding of almost £300,000 for the next two years from the Government’s flexible homelessness support grant, with more due to be approved for 2019/20.

Its cabinet has agreed for the money to be ring fenced, so it can only be spent on homelessness services.

Jane Kilby, cabinet member for housing, said: “We anticipate as a result of the roll-out of Universal Credit, we will receive an increase in the number of people who want advice and support. This funding will help us provide housing options advice at an early stage.

“It will also ensure residents are accessing all the benefits they are entitled to at the earliest opportunity. The idea is this intervention will prevent people from building up debt and then going into arrears with their rent.”