Purpose

The Supported Housing Funding is a fantastic opportunity for BCC to develop and commission increased accommodation and support offers that meet the needs of people experiencing rough sleeping and multiple disadvantage.
The funding was awarded in February 2026 for three years – 2026-2029 at values of £10.9 million, with £2.8 million available in 2026/27.
The full funding paper is going to committee in September 2026, however approval is sought to enter into a grant agreement with inHope ahead of this, to allow time to prepare for this winter shelter.

Decision

The decision is to approve the processing of a grant agreement with Bristol Hospitality Network (BHN), ahead of Committee approval for the full funding spend, in order that the service can be operational by 1 October 2026. This allows inHope time for recruitment and implementation of the service.

Alternative options considered

Difficult decisions were made when allocating the Homelessness, Rough Sleeping and Domestic Abuse Grant in December 2025, not to continue funding the winter shelter and to prioritise year-round services.
The additional Supported Accommodation Funding provides an opportunity to fund more bedspaces allocated to the Rough Sleeping Prevention Service however this will take time. In the meantime we can allocate funding to inHope to deliver the Bristol Churches Winter Shelter for winter 2026/27 as this is an established model that can be set up quickly.