MORE homeless people are set to have a roof over their heads after the city council received a £2.4 million funding boost.

The money from Homes England will go towards the conversion of James House office block in Layerthorpe into 57 self-contained flats, bringing the total funding for the scheme to £12.4 million.

City of York Council had already allocated £10 million to the project to cover the purchase and redevelopment of James House on James Street, as well as costs associated with closing and relocating existing temporary accommodation for homeless households.

It will replace existing accommodation at Ordnance Lane.

The council has added two apartments and other enhancements to the scheme to meet conditions for the £2.4 million grant and says the extra funding will save the council £500,000.

The self-contained flats will be owned and managed by City of York Council.

Members of the council's executive will be asked to approve the increased budget at its meeting next week.

Cllr Jenny Brooks, executive member for housing and safer neighbourhoods, said: “This is a welcome grant to help us upgrade and consolidate temporary accommodation for homeless households in the city.”

Councillors gave the scheme their approval in March 2017 and planning permission earlier this winter.

When the conversion is completed, James House will mainly be used for temporary emergency accommodation for people suddenly homeless.

The planning committee heard it will accommodate families, couples and single people, and contain one, two and three bedroom flats.

Staff will be present on site from 8am to 8pm with security guards on duty at night. The meeting heard that residents would typically stay for between a month and a year while they found permanent accommodation.

The scheme will have an enclosed courtyard with play equipment, a garden for residents' use, secure cycle facilities and a car park for staff and residents.