IT has been confirmed that all those sleeping rough in Wirral at the start of the pandemic have been found accommodation.

The news follows a directive from the Government to get "everyone in" and, with the cash to support it, Wirral Council, housing associations, charities and housing advisers have delivered.

In addition, a further 774 people have been found short-term or permanent housing, including people at risk of becoming homeless, since the Government instructed all councils to act on March 23.

Other measures included instructions to mortgage lenders to support homeowners who were struggling to pay mortgages and more protections for people who rent.

It has also emerged that the grant the council receives for supporting homeless and rough sleepers will be increased again - from £301,000 now to £513,000 next year.

Wallasey Conservative councillor Ian Lewis said: "While Wirral Council has received more than £170 million since the start of the pandemic, it's how that money is used that matters most.

"I can't think of many better ways than using a small part of it to find somewhere for homeless and rough sleepers to live.

"We all know that governments and political parties, of all colours, have historically failed to get to grips with this issue.

"Sadly, it's taken a global pandemic for the cash to be found.

"But, now it has, we need to make sure we never return to what we had before.

"The extra cash for Wirral Council announced this week will help, as will the expertise of some of our housing associations and charities.

"By working together over these last nine months, they've shown what can be achieved.

"Thank you to all who have been involved."

Councillor Julie McManus, chair of Wirral's new housing committee, told the Globe: "As part of the 'Everyone in' Campaign and in response to the Government directive to close all shared sleeping arrangements provided through night shelters, Council secured the use of specific vacancies within existing supported schemes, main hostels temporary accommodation.

"Some households who have become homeless during the first lockdown were also able to be placed directly into permanent accommodation within the social sector. 

"The biggest cohort of people affected since lockdown have been single people with some small numbers of families.

"In total there have been over 700 temporary placements made since March lockdown and 333 placements have been secured in longer term or more secure accommodation. 

"Less than a week ago I was contacted by Linda Finn from the Food larder on the Beechwood Estate, Linda told me that residents had seen a homeless man sleeping rough in a tent on a piece of land between the Beechwood & Ballantyne Estates.

"Within an hour of me telephoning Council’s emergency telephone number the man was placed in safe and warm supported accommodation.

"I would like to pay tribute to Linda & other residents from reporting this through and The Housing Options team who have worked relentlessly through this pandemic to ensure that no-one needs to sleep rough on Wirral streets. 

"While numbers can change daily; the current figure of homeless on our streets is 0.

"If anyone needs to report a homeless situation they can do so on www.streetlink.org.uk or by telephoning 07821 125119."