HOMELESS people in Huddersfield are among those who may be helped by government cash aimed at getting them permanently off the streets.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has announced a £150m funding package for new action to prevent and reduce homelessness.

In the Yorkshire and the Humber region the total will be £9.8m - with £93,000 coming directly to Kirklees in 2005-2006.

An extra £90m will be targeted at improving hostels and the vital services they provide to help rough sleepers make a permanent move away from the streets.

Around £60m will help councils and voluntary organisations deliver front-line services, including drug rehabilitation treatment, mediation to resolve family and relationship problems and support for women experiencing domestic violence.

New statistics for the period from July to September show the number of new homeless cases fell by 11% in 2004 when compared with the same period last year.

Mr Prescott said: "Since 1997, we have made good progress in reducing the most damaging forms of homelessness.

"We have ended the scandal of homeless families living long-term in bed and breakfast hotels, and reduced rough sleeping by more than 70%.

"New homeless strategies are making a real difference in preventing homelessness.

"We are now beginning to see the results with the number of people becoming homeless falling this year.

"We are determined to take action to reduce the number of households in temporary accommodation.

He said the £150m funding package would help by preventing homelessness in the first place.