Four Bucks councils have been given a share of £8.5 million of government funding in a bid to help get rough sleepers off the streets and into accommodation.

Wycombe, Chiltern, South Bucks and Aylesbury Vale district councils will get £165,000 from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, secretary James Brokenshire MP has announced.

The money forms part of the government’s £100 million Rough Sleeping Strategy and will be used to fund rough sleeping coordinator roles, add new or additional outreach services and extend existing or provide new temporary accommodation - including night shelters and hostel spaces.

Across the south east, it is estimated that the money will provide funding for up to 162 new staff and 405 additional bed spaces.

Mr Brokenshire said: “The £100m-backed Rough Sleeping Strategy sets out this government’s blueprint for ending rough sleeping for good across the south east and the rest of the country.

“We are taking the necessary steps to make that happen, already providing already providing 2,600 additional beds and 750 more support staff for the most vulnerable people in our society.

“But we must keep up the momentum and that’s why we are giving this funding to areas and projects that need it, ensuring progress continues to be made and people are given the help they need to turn their lives around.”