CITY chiefs have backed plans to try to tap into £70million of Government cash to tackle the growing problem of homelessness in York.

If the bid for funding is successful, it could pave the way for a new dedicated facility for homeless 16 to 20-year-olds to be created.

City of York Council's housing and adult social services advisory panel has also agreed to review the temporary accommodation in Ordnance Lane, which needs £1.3million worth of refurbishment.

The Press reported last week how the hostel was in need of a revamp and that councillors were looking at applying for Government cash to fund it.

The proposed refurbishment of the hostel would mean it would handle the majority of temporary accommodation on the east side of the city - providing 32 units of varying size, with some shared facilities.

But it needs substantial work to bring it up to modern standards, including en suite and individual cooking facilities, as well as major investment in the fabric of the building.

Councillors also approved plans to review the current facilities, with options including demolishing the existing buildings and combining a new facility for 16-20 year-olds, with a purpose-built hostel for older people.

Government money is available nationally through the Places Of Change scheme to tackle issues around rough sleeping.

This programme recognises the importance of decent accommodation and the need for support, education and training to help people gain independence and get their lives back on track.

City of York Council's funding request now has to be lodged by January 25, and a decision from the Government is expected in March.

Welcoming the move, Coun Andy D'Agorne said: "Obviously, a lot depends on securing this government funding but a modern, purpose-built facility would be much better than what we have there at the moment, particularly if this is going to be 24-hour, seven day a week staffing. That would make the site far easier to manage."

The Government has indicated any unsuccessful bid will go on to a reserve list and be considered if any successful scheme is unable to deliver.

More than 330 young people under the age of 21 in York asked for help with housing issues between October 2005 and October 2007. Many received advice on finding private accommodation, but about 200 were placed in temporary council accommodation.

Currently, young people can only be accommodated in adult facilities, such as Howe Hill and Ordnance Lane.

But 65 per cent of the 16 to 17-year-olds who have been accepted as homeless in the last two years have "failed" while in temporary accommodation, and have either been evicted or left the accommodation.

It is hoped that a new, dedicated facility would provide young people with support to help them develop the necessary life skills to hold down a tenancy, gain job skills, and deal with issues such as drug or alcohol dependency.