THE MP for Weston, John Penrose, has welcomed the news that the town's homelessness prevention grant is increasing by more than half.

Weston's Homelessness Prevention Grant is increasing from £628k to £981k, which Mr Penrose says will act as a "vital safety net" to ensure that people don't end up on the streets.

According to the MP, prevention is far better than cure, and the focus should be ensuring that no one finds themselves in that situation in the first instance.

Mr Penrose said: “This extra Government cash means North Somerset Council can help people facing homelessness, for example by working with landlords to prevent evictions or providing emergency temporary accommodation.

"Once someone finds themselves on the streets the journey back can be an uphill battle, so prevention is far better than cure. This funding can be a vital safety net so people are less likely to end up on the streets in the first place.”